Contributed to drafting Balen Shah's mayoral manifesto and campaign strategy for the 2022 local elections
Sasmit Pokharel
सस्मित पोखरेल
Minister of Education and Sports in Prime Minister Balendra Shah's cabinet
Currently Minister of Education and Sports, Government of Nepal
About
Before entering federal politics, Sasmit Pokharel served as an education and urban planning advisor to Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah. He helped draft Shah’s 2022 campaign manifesto, a document setting out his plans and goals. He later installed smart classroom technology in community schools. He launched the “Book Free Friday” program, a form of experiential learning, or learning through hands-on experience. He also managed earthquake reconstruction efforts funded by the Nepali diaspora, people of Nepali origin living abroad.
In March 2026, he was appointed to Balen Shah’s federal cabinet. He took charge of education, alongside science, technology, and sports portfolios. These were later reorganised into the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Quick facts
- Birthplace
- Nepal
- Profession
- Politician
- Current role
- Minister of Education and Sports, Government of Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Minister of Education and Sports
Government of Nepal · since 2026-05-13
Previous roles
Minister of Education, Science and Technology
Government of Nepal · 2026-03-27–2026-05-13
Minister of Youth and Sports
Government of Nepal · 2026-03-27–2026-05-13
Associate Expert, City Planning Commission
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Advisor on Education and Urban Planning
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Career & life timeline
- 2022
- 2026-03-27
Appointed Minister for Education, Science and Technology and Minister of Youth and Sports
- 2026-05-13
Became Minister of Education and Sports following a ministry restructuring
Achievements
Installed smart boards in Kathmandu community schools to enhance digital learning
Launched the "Book Free Friday" program promoting project-based learning
Managed the diaspora-funded "Earthquake Fund" for post-2015 relief and reconstruction
Organizations & affiliations
- Rastriya Swatantra Party
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06