E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 22 -

Even five years after the end of the civil conflict, the country’s national army continues to grow further, putting enormous weight on the national economy, say government officials and experts. 

The strength of the Nepal Army currently stands at 92,753, but this could exceed 110,000 after the integration of 6,500 Maoist combatants and recruitment of 3,000 youths from the Madhesi and minority communities.

In contrast to international practices in post-conflict situations, the strength of the NA is all set to increase. The defence budget, instead of being reduced in the time of peace, will actually shoot up.

 “The recent decision taken by the parties is a mistake and is not in the best interest of the nation,”

said retired Major General Ananta Thebe. He was referring to the financial implications of the PLA integration and new recruitments. “Nepal cannot afford such a large national army.”

The government has allocated over Rs 19 billion as defence budget in the current fiscal year. The budget will significantly go up as billions will be required to meet the cost of the new directorate, training for former rebel soldiers and the new recruitment drive.

For the training of every officer, the Army will spend at least Rs 0.55 million, while for a sepoy it will spend Rs 0.35 million.

New accommodation facilities will have to be built for both new and old personnel, as 30-35 percent of the 93,000 NA soldiers currently live in bunkers. 

Around Rs 1 billion has to be spent every year on salaries, ration, clothes and other facilities for the 3,000 new recruits, according to a Defence Ministry official.

“The national army cannot ignore the political decision taken by civilian leaders. But we should watch out for similar trends from other minority groups. This will lead to extreme militarisation,” a senior government official said, insisting anonymity.

Earlier, the Royal Nepal Army was 58,000-strong before it was mobilised during the insurgency in 2001. The insurgency saw a massive recruitment drive, taking the number of Army personnel beyond 90,000.

The 3,000 vacancies that were revoked by the Cabinet on Tuesday had been scrapped by the Congress-led government after Janaandolan II.

Retired Lt Gen, CB Gurung, said the attempt to induct the former PLA fighters and recruit Madhesi youths should not be viewed “only as an attempt to increase the size of Nepal Army.”

“We are in the process of transition and the recent initiatives should be perceived as efforts towards resolving the conflict,” Gurung said. “We should formulate a new security policy and determine the right size of the Army once a new government is elected after the promulgation of the new constitution.”

Defence Budget

Fiscal Year    Budget

2003/04    Rs.8.524 billion

2004/05    Rs. 10.126 billion

2005/06    Rs. 10.905 billion

2006/07    Rs 11.136 billion

2007/08    Rs 11.392 billion

2008/09    Rs 12.272 billion

2009/10    Rs 17.811 billion

2010/11    Rs 19.491 billion

2011/12    Rs 19.100 billion

Source: Annual Budget, Ministry of Finance

 

Posted on: 2011-12-22 08:26

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