Kathmandu, May 14 -- The federal government has decided to reduce the number of ministries from 21 to 18 as part of a major administrative restructuring aimed at cutting recurrent expenditure and improving efficiency.

A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday approved the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Regulations, 2026, paving the way for the restructuring. The decision will come into effect after publication in the Nepal Gazette on Thursday, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Nepal's constitution allows a maximum 25-member Cabinet, including the prime minister. Successive governments, however, have often been criticised for expanding ministries and ministerial positions to accommodate coalition partners.

The decision follow...