Although Dr. Subedi has proved his capability by leading different ministries, some of his colleagues made every efforts to pull out him from the race of chief secretary. 

Following two weeks long marathon exercise, the government finally appointed Dr. Som Lal Subedi as new Chief Secretary. Dr. Subedi is senior most secretary at present.

A meeting of cabinet took decision to that effect, according to Minister for General Administration Lal Babu Pandit. Subedi, Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD), was appointed to the post as incumbent Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal retired due to age limit.

Known for his strong decision making, Dr. Subedi has served as local development officer in various districts. Subedi, who holds a PhD degree in fiscal decentralization, has already served as the secretary of Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor and Transport Management, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and National Planning Commission.

Despite the practice among government officials of taking leave a month prior to the date of retirement, chief secretary Paudyal had been coming to office as the government was undecided about a new candidate for the post.

Secretary at the Ministry of Industry Jay Mukunda Khanal and Secretary at the Ministry of Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Shreedhar Gautam were also in the race to become chief secretary.