Minister Deepak Kumar Sah Responds: ‘I Was Not Given a Chance to Explain’

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has dismissed Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Deepak Kumar Sah. Following the recommendation by the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Prime Minister Shah removed him within just 13 days of his appointment. Minister Sah shared his views in an interview with Krishna Singh Dhami.

Prime Minister removed you from the ministerial post just 13 days after your appointment. What is your response?

I was entrusted with the ministry based on my capabilities and qualifications. The authority to remove a minister lies with both the party and the Prime Minister. If in the current circumstances they felt it necessary to remove me, then that is acceptable and should be taken positively. However, it would have been better if I had been called to provide an explanation. I only wish I had the opportunity to present my side.

Have you started your leave today?

Yes, I have started my leave today. Within 13 days, I managed to accomplish 15–16 tasks. I hope the new minister will continue to implement these initiatives.

Has there been any discussion with the party regarding this issue?

There has been no discussion. No one consulted me, and I learned of the decision slightly before the news broke, that is all.

There was controversy over appointing your wife to the Health Insurance Board. What is your take on that?

That is not a matter of controversy. My wife is an exceptionally capable woman. She is a gold medalist from Tribhuvan University, a global medalist in both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She studied at the London School of Economics.

Currently, through an institution in London, she works on global health advocacy with the United Nations and World Health Organization. She is also skilled in health financing and was already a member of the Health Insurance Board.

When we were in London, although we were not continuously together in person, she stayed connected via online means. After returning from London, I successfully became a minister, which I consider a great honor.

What reforms did you initiate during your 13 days leading the ministry? Why did you remain embroiled in controversy?

The work was progressing well but became a topic of controversy to some extent. I believe the media tone was excessive. I am human and cannot manage everything. I am not a media manager nor do I have advisors.

I made everything clear about the work I did. Some associates created news from conversations, but I tried to communicate well. I am confident in my abilities. I have earned a scholarship to study.

I was educated through scholarships at a teaching hospital, Institute of Medicine, for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I also received scholarships from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I have experience working with the World Health Organization and the London health ministry.

However, I could not effectively present my viewpoint in the media. This caused me sorrow. My positive contributions were overshadowed by continuous negative portrayals, which was difficult for me.

Will you now serve solely as a member of parliament?

I am an elected member of parliament for five years. Whatever happens, I want to assure everyone I will work diligently as a good parliamentarian. I speak on issues and address problems seriously. I may not be an expert speaker, but when I speak, I am clear and straightforward.

How was your 13-day tenure and what was your experience like?

I am someone who worked continuously from 8 am to 11 or 12 at the ministry. I worked as hard as I could. I believe if I had continued, this sector would be fully safe and organized. The work could have been completed in 3 to 4 months, and we were within that scope.

Countries like Malaysia give commissions to manpower agencies. I have worked on similar projects and recently made decisions related to occupational health. We started working on a corpse management and tracking system.

For managing missing or returning workers, digital technology was also being incorporated. I reduced 40,000 pending cases and raised the ministry’s efficiency from level ten to one hundred.

If one considers the positive, I have many good aspects. I do not know what was perceived negatively. What mistakes did I make? There was controversy over appointing an elderly person at the ministry as well. That has caused some sadness.