Who is Rameshwor Prasad Khanal? Recent Minister of Finance of Nepal

Rameshwor Prasad Khanal

Rameshwor Prasad Khanal is a Nepali economist, civil servant, and academic. He is the current Minister of Finance and Minister of Communications and Information Technology in the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.[2] He is an former finance secretary of Government of Nepal. As Chairperson of the High-Level Economic Reforms Commission of Nepal, he submitted a comprehensive report to the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister proposing wide-ranging reforms to the country’s economy.

Who is Rameshwor Prasad Khanal? Recent Minister of Finance of Nepal

Background & Career

  • Former Finance Secretary: Khanal is not new to government. He has served long in Nepal’s civil service, especially in finance-related roles. Wikipedia

  • Economic reform leader: Before his ministerial appointment, he chaired the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission. The commission submitted a detailed report on economic reforms, addressing issues like tax policy, public institution reform, and investment climate. Wikipedia

  • Technocrat & reputation: He is considered a technocrat with an image of working pragmatically. His experience in public finance, budget management, policy advisory, and economic planning make him a trusted choice for those who want stability and reform.

Rameshwor Prasad Khanal Appointment as Finance Minister

Appointment as Finance Minister

  • When: He was sworn in on 15 September 2025 as Finance Minister in the interim cabinet formed by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

  • Why now: His appointment is part of a response to widespread “Gen Z” protests against corruption and misgovernance. The interim government aims to restore order, rebuild damaged infrastructure, reform systems, and prepare for elections scheduled for 5 March 2026.

What Are the Challenges & Expectations?

  • Economic reconstruction: During the protests, a lot of damage was done to public and private property. Khanal will need to help allocate resources to rebuild, even while dealing with a tight budget.

  • Stabilizing revenue: Collecting revenue, managing public expenditures, improving revenue-to-GDP ratio, and ensuring that the finance system works well under political uncertainty are big tasks.

  • Transparency & trust: Given the protests were fueled by distrust of corruption and elite privilege, there is public demand that the finance minister acts transparently. Any signs of favoritism or hiding financial details could draw backlash.

  • Setting up for elections: Since elections are planned for March 2026, the interim finance ministry has to ensure that the budget supports election preparations, while not overspending or creating imbalances.

Why His Role Matters

  • The finance ministry is central to bringing stability back after the protests. How Khanal manages the economy, spending, and reform will matter for people's daily lives (e.g. inflation, jobs, infrastructure).

  • His performance could help restore public confidence in government institutions. If he shows results — even small ones — it could set a precedent for reformist governance in Nepal.

  • Because he is seen as more of a technocrat rather than purely political figure, his appointment is symbolic of a shift toward using expertise to solve problems.

Key Facts & Public Interest

  • Name: Rameshwor Prasad Khanal

  • Area of Origin / Background: He is a civil servant, economist, former finance secretary.

  • Major prior work: Leading economic reform commission; public finance roles; advising on policy.

  • Current period: Interim government, appointed in mid-September 2025.

Possible Risks & What People Are Watching

  • Whether he can secure funding for reconstruction without increasing corruption or mismanagement.

  • How he balances demands for social justice (protester demands) with fiscal constraints.

  • Managing inflation, foreign aid, and international confidence, given Nepal’s exposure to economic uncertainties.


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