National Security Council bill introduced

KATHMANDU, June 23:Government has registered a bill in Parliament to specify duty, responsibility and jurisdiction of the National Security Council for the first time, 25 years of its establishment.

The bill prepared by the Ministry of Defense specifies 15 issues as duties, responsibilities and rights of the council. The bill has granted the authority to the Security Council to draft policies on national interest, security and defense, short and long term security strategy, and the procurement of weapons and other equipments for the security agencies.

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The constitution has envisioned that a security council would recommend the government on army mobilization in the country during emergency and for national defense. The bill states that the president shall endorse army mobilization following the recommendation from the council and decision of the government.

In line with the article 266 of the new constitution, the bill has specified that the council will make recommendation for army mobilization and also coordinate mobilization of other security agencies by formulating standards.

The government has faced criticism over its failure to maintain coordination between different security agencies during the state of emergency in the country time and again.

As per the constitution, prime minister will be the chairman of the council, while four ministers, chief secretary and army chief will be the members of the council. In case of emergency, the head of the council can recommend army mobilization and get the decision endorsed from the council later.

The bill on duty, responsibility and jurisdiction of the Security Council also proposed research, investigation and evaluation tasks to the council as well. Once the bill is endorsed from the parliament the bill will come in to effect as Act.  

The bill has further proposed that the council can suggest the government to adopt a defense diplomacy keeping national interest in view, and for enhancing the country's security situation.