President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to four newly appointed ministers in the Sher Bahadur Deuba government from the CPN (Unified Socialist) on Monday.

The four ministers were recommended by Prime Minister Deuba on Sunday as per the decision of the Unified Socialist, a coalition partner.

Jeevan Ram Shrestha has been appointed minister for tourism, culture and civil aviation in place of Prem Ale; Metmani Chaudhary as minister for urban development in place of Ram Kumari Jhakri; Sher Bahadur Kunwar as minister for labour, employment and social security in place of Krishna Kumar Shrestha; and Bhawani Prasad Khapung as minister for health and population.

Though the Standing Committee of the Unified Socialist had decided to change the ministers on June 5, the decision had run into controversy.

After the ministers defied the party decision and some six lawmakers upped the ante against the leadership, party chair Madhav Kumar Nepal had come under pressure.

The ministers, however, resigned on Sunday, paving the way for Deuba to appoint new ones.

The Unified Socialist was formed in August last year after splitting from the CPN-UML.

The party has 24 members in the House or Representatives.