Nepal's interim PM adds two popular youth figures to cabinet following youth-led uprising, pledging clean governance and order restoration

KATHMANDU: Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki expanded her interim cabinet on Sunday by inducting two ministers popular among young people.

The cabinet expansion follows last month's youth-led uprising that triggered the previous government's collapse.

September's unrest began with a brief social media ban but reflected deeper frustrations over economic hardship and corruption.

Violent protests killed at least 73 people and left parliament, courts and government buildings in flames.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath to new Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta and Health Minister Sudha Sharma.

Twenty-eight-year-old Gupta is known for his work with volunteer organisation 100's Group supporting underprivileged communities.

Sharma is a doctor and author recognised for her leadership in maternal and child health policy.

Both new ministers publicly supported the youth-led protests as they unfolded last month.

Karki's press coordinator Ram Rawal confirmed the interim prime minister recommended two additional names for the 10-member cabinet.

These appointments were put on hold pending further consultations according to presidential sources.

The cabinet expansion remains incomplete as talks continue with youth representatives.

Seventy-three-year-old Karki became interim prime minister following the protests to steer Nepal until March 5 elections.

She has pledged to restore order and address calls for clean governance in the 30 million-strong nation. - AFP