The government has given newly appointed Ambassador to China Leelamani Paudyal the ministerial status.

His position was elevated to the one accorded to Nepal’s Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay. Upadhyay and Paudyal did not have the same rank while they were appointed last month.

 A recent Cabinet meeting decided to elevate Poudyal to the rank, said an official at PM’s Office.

 Both were appointed ambassadors on October 30.

There were some procedural flaws while making the announcement, said the official, especially when the government talks of having balanced relations with both of Nepal’s giant neighbours. (PR)