KATHMANDU, July 8: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Ishwar Pokhrel, has said the government has no policy and plan to curtail the human resources of Nepal Army. In his replies to concerns related to the ministry articulated during the deliberations on the National Assembly, the minister described the NA as the product of the necessity of the nation.
"The NA size had got escalated during the conflict and the government has no policy to downsize it. How to utilize the available number should be planned." On the occasion, he said the NA was carrying out responsibilities of special nature in the security of the nation.
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The Defense Minister said the NA personnel had not been kept as domestic help of senior officers, promising to seek corrections if any such weakness was found. He informed the Upper House session that 15 percent of women representation had been secured and seniority had been adopted as a criterion while sending the UN peacekeeping troops. The principle of inclusion has been implemented in the recruitment process as per the spirit of the constitution and the government has a policy of encouraging the rural people to enter the NA, according to him.
He went on to say that the NA human resources were being mobilized in development endeavors and disaster management efforts without hampering the organizational norms and values. "The NA activities are fully transparent and accountable." Stating that the NA remained as the symbol of a nation's existence, national independence, territorial integrity, and unity, he said the government was positive towards its strengthening as per the need of time. He also shared about the government policy to make the army profession more attractive and decent.
