Nepal’s New Education Minister Mahabir Pun Begins Working from Ministry

Newly appointed Education, Science, and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun has started working directly from the ministry. Taking office on Monday, Minister Pun began his on-site duties from Tuesday, emphasizing that results can only be achieved by being present at the workplace. Ministry staff worked throughout Tuesday to arrange proper facilities for him.

Following the Jan-G movement, the Education Ministry building at Singha Durbar was damaged by fire, prompting its temporary relocation to Keshar Mahal. With the ministry already in a fragile state, staff worked tirelessly to prepare a room for the minister.

After taking the oath on Monday, Minister Pun instructed Secretary Chudamani Paudel to arrange living, dining, and sleeping facilities within the ministry. Early Tuesday, Anita Niraula, Chief of the Administration Division and Undersecretary, organized a suitable room for the minister.

The ministry identified the accounting section of Keshar Library as the safest and most organized room, which was promptly assigned to Minister Pun for residence. Speaking to local media, he said:

“If you want results, you must work continuously from the workplace. My wife and daughter stay in Pokhara, but I will work from the ministry according to my principles.”

Ministry officials searched for a secure and organized room for the minister throughout Tuesday. By evening, the secretary and undersecretaries were inspecting Keshar Mahal to finalize the arrangement. Niraula confirmed that living, kitchen, and sleeping arrangements, including separate facilities for the PSO and security guard, were prepared.

Minister Pun’s office is set up in the room once occupied by Keshar Shamsher Basne, with provisions for meals and cooking personnel. He reportedly brought all his belongings to the ministry on Tuesday and will now live and dine within the ministry.

According to ministry spokesperson Shiva Sapkota, Minister Pun reviewed organizational, policy, and budget matters with all division chiefs on Tuesday, directing immediate resolution of any issues or challenges.

Long-term ministry staff highlighted the significance of this move. Jagesh Chaudhary, who has been providing snacks at the ministry for 18 years, noted:

“I have worked with six or seven education ministers, but none have ever stayed at the ministry. Minister Pun’s decision is surely aimed at improving educational outcomes.”

Similarly, Durga Dahal, with over 20 years at the ministry, remarked that she had never seen a minister reside within the ministry.

Minister Pun has also announced plans to reform the science and technology sector, forming several advisory committees, including the National Space and Aeronautical Advisory Committee, National Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee, National Nuclear Science and Technology Advisory Committee, and National Biotechnology Advisory Committee.

Additionally, he directed that each community secondary school across Nepal must have at least one computer teacher, instructed universities to release exam results within three months, and warned that funding will be withheld if results are delayed. He also approved the beautification of the garden within Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur.