In its latest move towards ‘democratisation’, the Nepal Army (NA) today announced that the Army Officers’ Wives Association has been renamed as Army Wives Association, which will be all-inclusive.

Now on, as per the amended constitution of the association, wives of all army men can become members of the association and participate in its activities, a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) said.

The controversial association, which is headed by the wife of incumbent army chief, has been accused of misappropriating its budget doled out by the Army Welfare Fund. After the restoration of democracy in the country, there were demands that the association be quashed.

Although not a part of the armed forces, the Wives Association has been blamed for having influence over transfers and promotions of army officials.