Cabinet Approves Sixth Amendment to Army Service Regulations

Kathmandu. The time for applying for recruitment in the Nepali Army has been reduced. The Council of Ministers, in its meeting on Tuesday, amended the Army Service Regulations, reducing the 30-day notice period for applications to 21 days. 

Approving the Army Service Regulations (Sixth Amendment) 2083, the Council of Ministers reduced the application submission time citing changes in the medium of information in the changed circumstances.

The Army Service Regulations approved by the Council of Ministers is in the process of being published in the Gazette. The government has decided to increase the list of alternative candidates who have completed the army recruitment selection. Similarly, the regulations have been amended to create a unified merit list in units across the country when selecting for military positions. For example, the merit list of soldiers recruited in Lumbini and those recruited in Karnali will be the same.

Army personnel working in risky jobs will be provided with 'risk allowance' through the amendment of the Army Regulations, said Manoj Kumar Acharya, spokesperson (joint secretary) of the Ministry of Defence, to Ratopati. He said, 'A provision has been added in the regulations to provide risk allowance to army personnel working in health laboratories and places with radioactive radiation.'

According to Joint Secretary Acharya, those working in peacekeeping missions, disaster rescue, national parks, labs, and ammunition depots will receive risk allowance. Similarly, provisions have been added to provide facilities to those who become disabled or are injured in conflict. According to the amended regulations, army personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty will be provided with posthumous benefits.

Army personnel going on study leave and training will have to provide a 'commitment' stating that they will return to service again. Ministry of Defence officials say that this provision has been added after it was found that many soldiers did not return after going abroad for studies.

The Council of Ministers has changed the composition of the army's promotion committee. It is said that the recommendation committee has been changed according to the post.

For the promotion recommendation of Lieutenant Colonel to Brigadier General, the head of the Policy and Planning Division will be the chairperson and the Military Secretary will be the member secretary in the capacity of departmental chief.