Kathmandu, October 12
Prime Minister Sushila Karki is preparing to expand her Cabinet by appointing four new ministers representing the Gen Z movement, even as one of the nominees, climate activist Tashi Lhajom, faces racist and xenophobic attacks on social media.
According to sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office, the new ministers are expected to take the oath of office by Monday. The four Gen Z representatives, Ganpatilal Shrestha, Bablu Gupta, Ramji Ram, and Tashi Lhajom, have been finalised for the ministerial positions.
Shrestha, a heritage conservation advocate, will lead the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Gupta, known for his free food campaign and education support initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, will head the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Ramji Ram, the first doctor from the Chamar community of Rautahat, will oversee the Ministry of Health and Population. Meanwhile, Tashi Lhazom, a 25-year-old climate activist from Limi Valley in Humla, has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens.
However, Lhajom’s appointment has drawn unwarranted criticism on social media, where false claims have circulated suggesting she “does not look Nepali,” “does not speak Nepali,” and is “influenced by foreign powers.”
In response, the Indigenous Gen Z Collective issued a statement strongly condemning the attacks and defending Lhazom’s integrity. “Indigenous communities have faced exclusion for centuries based on language, culture, and appearance,” the collective stated, adding that despite constitutional guarantees of equality and inclusion, discrimination remains entrenched in practice. The group also emphasised that Indigenous women continue to face invisibility and multiple layers of injustice.
The statement, co-signed by the Indigenous Gen Z Collective and the Gen Z Movement Alliance, urged an end to the hate campaign against Lhazom and called for respect toward diversity and representation in leadership.
Prime Minister Karki, who took office on September 12 following the Gen Z-led movement, has already expanded her Cabinet twice. Including the new appointments, her Council of Ministers will soon have 12 members.
