Nepal's king targets corruption
Nepal's new government, led by King Gyanendra, has vowed to crack down on corruption and speed up land reform.
King Gyanendra sacked the government on Tuesday, saying it had failed to tackle the Maoist rebel uprising.
It has emerged at least five ex-prime ministers and many other politicians are under house arrest, says the BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu.
The daily newspaper, quoting a "highly placed security source", said some of the arrested leaders might be released.
But they would first have to promise not to pose a "threat" to the security situation.
Detention orders have been handed over for dozens of senior politicians, says the government.
King Gyanendra declared a state of emergency and imposed media censorship when he sacked the government on Tuesday.
Our correspondent says that, with phone lines cut for a lot of the time and media censorship, there has been almost no flow of information.
He said details of the new cabinet's meeting only came through two days later, on Friday.
Planned protests
The cabinet agreed to adopt a 21-point programme focusing on "good governance and economic growth", state-run radio announced.
A royal commission would be set up to investigate corruption, and to seize and nationalise property amassed through abuse of authority and smuggling.
NEPAL IN CRISIS
June 2001 - Gyanendra is crowned king following royal massacre
July 2001 - Sher Bahadur Deuba becomes prime minister following Maoist violence
Oct 2002 - King Gyanendra sacks Deuba and assumes executive power
June 2004 - Deuba reappointed prime minister in place of Surya Bahadur Thapa
Feb 2005 - Deuba sacked, king assumes direct power
Tougher action on bribery and favouritism was also promised.
And, in a possible appeal to the poor, the cabinet also said it would speed up land distribution and bring in positive discrimination for the lowest castes, women and indigenous people.
Previous governments have made similar promises about corruption but it remains widespread, says our correspondent.
The new Foreign Minister, Ramesh Nath Pandey, said on Friday elections would not be held until the Maoist rebellion was ended - and predicted it could take three years before multi-party democracy could be reintroduced.
"We have learnt the lessons after paying a heavy price, that without restoring peace and security, we cannot hold elections," he said.