Nepal Cabinet Ministers Make Wealth Public: PM Declares Social Media as Main Income Source
The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has publicly disclosed the assets of all cabinet ministers 17 days after taking office, fulfilling a key election promise.
Prime Minister Balen Shah declared Rs 14.6 million in bank balance, with social media as his main income source. He has 4 million Facebook followers, 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, and 500,000 X (Twitter) followers. Shah owns no personal property, but family land includes 5 aana in Kathmandu (mother's name) and 9 bigha in Mahottari (late father's name). His wife Sabina Kafle owns 190 tolas of gold, silver, and diamond jewelry.
Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel is the wealthiest with total assets of Rs 24.16 crore and loans of Rs 75 lakh. His net worth stands at Rs 23.41 crore. The family owns properties worth Rs 20.5 crore across Kathmandu, Morang, and Lalitpur, plus 25 tolas of gold and 100 tolas of silver.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung owns 89 tolas of gold and has Rs 43.1 million invested in shares. His personal land holdings include 19 ropani 15 aana in Dhankuta, with family land in Chitwan (30 kattha) and Gorkha (221 ropani). Bank savings total Rs 6.16 million.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle owns four properties worth Rs 12.75 crore total, with Rs 19 million in bank accounts and 45 tolas of gold. His main income source is international employment. He has loans totaling Rs 35.5 million.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has Rs 13 lakh in banks and 22 tolas of gold. Family properties include 6 aana in Kathmandu and 28 ropani across Tanahun, Nawalpur, and Nepalgunj, all registered under his father's name.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha declared Rs 6.4 million in bank deposits, 15 tolas of gold, 50 tolas of silver, and shares worth Rs 14.5 million.
Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal holds Rs 9 million cash, 30 tolas of gold, and 50 tolas of silver.
Law Minister Sobita Gautam has Rs 10.5 lakh in five banks, 15 tolas of gold, 9 tolas of silver, and 1 tola of diamond. She owns 50% stake in Globe Trot Himalaya Tours and Treks.
Federal Affairs Minister Pratibha Rawal owns land worth Rs 1.2 crore in Kathmandu and Bara, 25 tolas of gold, and Rs 24 lakh in banks.
Women's Minister Sita Badi declared 18 tolas of gold, 15 tolas of silver, Rs 15 lakh in banks, and owns 20 chickens and one dog.
Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary has 5 tolas of gold, 100 tolas of silver, Rs 1.26 lakh in banks, and owns 2 goats and 10 chickens.
This disclosure is part of mandatory requirements for public officials under Nepal's anti-corruption laws and marks a commitment to transparency in governance.
