Energy Minister Balen Shah's Six Months: Mixed Reactions and Unfulfilled Promises

Kathmandu. Six months have passed since the formation of the government under the leadership of senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balen Shah. On March 27, 2024, the day the government was formed, Birajbhakta Shrestha took charge of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The RSP's manifesto distributed to the public before the election and the 100-point agenda for governance reform published immediately after the formation of the government had raised great hopes among the general public. However, complaints have started to arise that the energy sector has not seen much progress in the last six months compared to the past, as expected by Energy Minister Shrestha. Although Shrestha is seen as experienced in parliamentary practice and has previously held ministerial responsibilities within the RSP, visible work has not been done to reform the energy sector.

As six months are completed, there have been mixed reactions in the energy sector regarding Minister Shrestha's working style and results. On one hand, there is a rapid pace of reform, while on the other hand, some immature decisions have created fear and anger in the private sector.