Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday sacked Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Deepak Kumar Sah on the recommendation of his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

The decision followed a formal letter from party chair Rabi Lamichhane, based on findings of the party’s central disciplinary commission.

The prime minister’s secretariat said Sah was removed after the party found him in breach of its code of conduct and discipline.

According to the commission’s study, Sah misused his office to continue his wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board, the position which had remained largely inactive for a long time. The commission had submitted its report to the party on Wednesday, recommending action.

Lamichhane, in his letter to the prime minister, said the move had undermined the party’s image, principles and integrity, and warranted immediate action.

Citing provisions in the party statute, the RSP said its chair is mandated under Clause 25 (4) (a) to safeguard the party’s values, while Clause 69 allows the party to recall individuals from responsibility in cases of misuse of office.

Acting on the recommendation, the prime minister removed Sah from office.

In the same letter, Lamichhane also recommended a warning against Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta for failing to take the matter seriously. The prime minister has issued the warning, according to Deepa Dahal, press and research adviser to the prime minister.