Kathmandu, September 21
The House of Representatives has passed the National Service Corps Bill, 2083, paving the way for changes to the structure and operation of the National Service Corps currently run under the Nepal Army.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam presented the proposal seeking passage of the bill at Monday’s House meeting.
The bill aims to instil patriotism, public service and a sense of national unity among school students while promoting discipline. It also allows individuals and institutions beyond students to receive training based on national needs.
A key change in the bill is the removal of a provision requiring serving military officers to provide training. The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee removed the mandatory arrangement, although the Nepal Army will retain a role in selecting trainers.
Under the revised provision, the Director General of the National Service Corps will be a retired lieutenant general of the Nepal Army. The Chief of Army Staff will recommend three names, from which the government will appoint one.
The bill also allows the government to mobilise trained individuals as volunteers for national service based on national needs. The Cabinet will determine what constitutes a national need, while the government must inform both houses of Parliament after mobilising such volunteers.
The bill will now be sent to the National Assembly for consideration.
