The Parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) has finalised the amendment in the Military bill meant for amending and integrating acts related to the Nepali Army, stipulating a provision for a Military Special Court (MSC).

SAC members, after a series of meetings with army chief Rukmangad Katawal, Defense Secretary Bishnu Dutta Upreti and the army’s Law Department Chief BA Kumar Sharma, reached a consensus to present the committee’s unanimous report to the House of Representatives, possibly on Thursday.

The Bill has proposed a new system for selecting army officers through the independent Public Service Commission, clear cut laws on recruitment, tenure, mobilization and civilian trial of army personnel for criminal offenses, among other things.

The MSC will be headed by an appellate court judge, and the defense secretary and chief of the Army’s Legal Unit will work as its member.

This court will look into cases of corruption, theft, torture and disappearance by the army personnel.

A panel headed by a Joint Attorney General will be formed to probe and file cases at the MSC.

The bill also proposes that the government would control and mobilize the Nepal Army on the recommendation of Security Council. Home, Finance and Foreign Ministers will be the members of the Security Council headed by Prime Minister.

The SAC has agreed with the Nepali Army’s proposal to extend the tenure of senior officers.

As per the provision, the tenure of a Lieutenant General can be extended by one year after the completion of his/her normal tenure of two years.

A Major General’s tenure can be extended by two years after he/she completes his/her normal tenure of three years.

The proposed Bill has also replaced the king as patron of the Army Welfare Fund with the prime minister.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the parliamentary SAC, Army chief Katawal said the Bill prepared after serious discussions in the House committee will help democratize the army in the changed scenario and within the democratic framework.