Nepal Cuts Ministries to 18, Forms Science Ministry; Mahabir Pun Calls It Fulfilment of Demand

Kathmandu. Following the Cabinet’s decision to reduce the number of federal ministries from 22 to 18 and establish a separate Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun has welcomed the move, expressing satisfaction over what he described as the fulfilment of a long-standing demand.

Taking to Facebook, Pun said he was pleased with the government’s decision and thanked it for addressing the issue. “My long-standing demand has been fulfilled. Many thanks to the Government of Nepal, and I wish them longevity,” he wrote on social media.

Earlier, on 21 April, 2026, MP Pun had submitted a formal letter to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers, requesting the establishment of a dedicated ministry for science, technology, and innovation. He has consistently argued that Nepal’s economic challenges stem from the failure of successive governments to prioritise science, technology, and innovation since the era of Prithvi Narayan Shah.

According to Pun, this absence has contributed to two major problems: a widening trade deficit driven by dependence on imported goods, and the continued outmigration of skilled and talented youth due to limited domestic opportunities. Drawing on over three decades of experience in the social sector, he has maintained that a dedicated ministry is essential to promote entrepreneurship and employment in the country. He also raised the issue strongly in parliament two days ago.

The government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has reduced the number of ministries as part of an administrative reform agenda aimed at improving efficiency, promoting austerity, and cutting unnecessary recurring expenditures.

Under the restructuring, science and technology have been separated from the former Ministry of Education and integrated into the newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Meanwhile, responsibilities related to communication and information technology have been shifted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

With the formation of the new ministry, Mahabir Pun has also called on scientists and researchers with innovative ideas to engage in discussions on how to effectively run the institution. While key ministries such as Finance, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defence remain unchanged, the government has sought to streamline the administrative structure by merging and reorganising several related portfolios.

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