KATHMANDU: The government has made a significant revision to its previous decision by extending the tenure of Brigadier General Yam Bahadur Adhikari, who transitioned from an ex-combatant to a special post.
The position of Brigadier General in the Nepalese Army, initially established as a one-time role during former Prime Minister KP Oli’s tenure, has been granted an extension.
This move, initiated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ sees the ruling coalition extend the special post of Brigadier General within the Nepali Army, initially set to be automatically dissolved after four years, through a special decision by the Council of Ministers.
According to a reliable source within the Ministry of Defense, the government has decided to extend the term of the former People’s Army’s fighter Yam Bahadur Adhikari ‘Pratiksha’ as Brigadier General in the Nepali Army. However, this decision has not yet been officially announced in a cabinet meeting. The tenure of the Assistant Rathi Officer was initially set to expire in mid-August.
As per military regulations, the assistant charioteer’s tenure can be extended for up to three years. The previous Council of Ministers established the Assistant Rathi position for a single four-year term.
On September 17, 2019, Adhikari, transferred from the former People’s Liberation Army to the Nepali Army, was promoted to the rank of Assistant Rathi during a cabinet meeting led by the then Prime Minister KP Oli’s CPN government (including the Maoist Center). It was stated at the time that the government had created a special post and promoted the officer to the rank of Brigadier General, with the post set to be automatically terminated upon completion of the four-year term.
During the adjustment period following the participation of the former rebel Maoists in the peace process, Adhikari, initially appointed as Lieutenant, was swiftly promoted to the rank of Colonel. After more than 1,400 out of the 19,000 fighters certified by the United Nations Mission (UNMIN) were integrated into the Nepali Army as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it was decided by political consensus that 71 ex-combatants who underwent training would receive nine months of training as lieutenants. Subsequently, after three months of specialized training, they were promoted to Captain and Major.
The Nepali Army recommended that three of them undergo training as Lieutenant Colonels. Out of the three Lieutenant Colonels, Adhikari was recommended to be promoted to Colonel after the mandatory training.
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