I observed that the Nepali Army allocates a significant portion of its budget toward salaries, allowances and training. This expenditure seems reasonable considering the army’s reputation and its crucial role in the country. However, prior to the Maoist insurgency, the army was smaller in size, necessitating an expansion due to the insurgency. The integration of the Maoist PLA into the NA further increased its current size to approximately 98,000 personnel.

In light of these circumstances, I have two perspectives. Firstly, shouldn’t we evaluate the current scenario? It is not necessarily a call for downsizing the army, but rather a suggestion to review and assess whether downsizing or upsizing is necessary.

Why do controversies arise when we raise military matters? These matters warrant serious deliberations and extensive research.

Considering our transition to federalism and the emergence of heightened border security threats, we may even require a stronger and larger army. 

The author is a member of National Assembly