During a Thursday session of the House of Representatives’ State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, lawmakers openly expressed distrust and skepticism toward the Nepali Army — something rarely voiced this directly in parliamentary debate — while discussing the National Service Corps Bill (राष्ट्रिय सेवा दल विधेयक).
The bill, introduced by PM Balen Shah (who also serves as Defense Minister), would allow the Army’s National Service Corps to provide military-style training to civilians, including students aged 13–21, aimed at fostering discipline and national loyalty.
Multiple MPs across parties — from RSP, Nepali Congress, and CPN-UML — raised concerns including:
- Whether placing the Corps under Army command risks militarizing youth
- Whether the Army is sufficiently inclusive (questioning representation of Madhesi, Tharu, and other communities)
- Constitutional conflicts, since Article 39(6) prohibits military training or hazardous roles for children under 18
- Fears the bill could concentrate too much power outside civilian oversight, especially given recent unrest
Law Minister Sobita Gautam, representing the PM, defended the bill and the Army, stating the training isn’t meant to turn students into soldiers, no weapons training would be given to those up to grade 12, and the goal is discipline and leadership development — not militarization. She urged lawmakers not to disrespect the Army, calling security personnel “our own brothers, our fellow citizens.”
Leave a comment