NA battles ineligible applicants under quota

KATHMANDU, Aug 18: After the government introduced the inclusion policy, the Nepal Army (NA) has so far recruited 1,758 army personnel. NA went in for recruitment twice after the reservation policy while the third phase of recruitment is in progress.



The total number of posts on offer for Madhesis in all categories were 423 and total applications for the posts were 1,136 while only 73 managed to pass the exam, according to the data provided by NA. Meanwhile, the data given by Directorate of Public Relations shows that out of 32 posts of officer reserved for Madhesis, only one could make it. [break]



The trend of applications under reservation shows that the ratio of application is still very low even if political parties are demanding for group integration. "We get applications from ineligible people under reservation which will squander the quota and other competent candidates may lose the opportunity," said Ramindra Chettri, spokesperson of NA.



During the first phase of recruitment on April 19, 2010, after the introduction of quota system, 898 people were admitted to NA including 289 female, 385 indigenous, 84 Madhesi, 120 Dalit and 20 from backward regions.



The 5th amendment of the interim constitution introduced the issue of inclusion in Nepal Army. As per the amendment, 55 percent of NA intake is from open competition while 45 percent of the posts are reserved for people covered under reservation (various quotas).



However, by internalizing the 5th amendment of the interim constitution, NA proved that NA´s recruitment system is democratic, said high-ranking army officers.



NA has been trying to publicise its recruitment under reservation via different media and also set up recruitment centers in far-flung areas so that every interested Nepali can make an attempt at getting into the Nepal Army, Chettri added. He added that educational and psychological strength is the major criteria for recruitment.



Under the third phase of recruitment, NA has announced 130 posts for women, 207 for indigenous community, 189 for Madhesis, 100 for Dalit and 26 for backward community.



Chettri, however, said the government should adopt a balanced education policy to make all youth from all castes, regions and religious communities eligible for a job with the Nepal Army.



A highly-placed source at the Defense Ministry said that issues like group integration as raised by Madhesi parties are unlikely to be implemented. Recently, the major political parties, under the 5-point deal, had agreed to make Nepal Army more inclusive in days ahead.

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