KATHMANDU: The government on Wednesday appointed Somlal Subedi, Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, as the new Chief Secretary. A Cabinet meeting held this morning made the decision to that effect. Subedi will serve as the acting Chief Secretary until incumbent Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal retires on August 7. Secretary at the Ministry of Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Shreedhar Gautam, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry Jay Mukunda Khanal and Secretary at the Ministry of Education Bishwo Praksh Pandit were also in the race of Chief Secretary.