KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army (NA) is set to organize its Ex-Servicemen’s Conference starting today (Sunday), aiming to reconnect nearly 90,000 retired personnel and strengthen welfare outreach.
Organized under the guiding principle of “once a soldier, always a soldier,” the conference focuses on enhancing support for former soldiers and their families through the Army Welfare Fund, which provides assistance in education and healthcare.
Held once during the tenure of each Chief of Army Staff, the conference is conducted in phases across different provinces over a three-year cycle. This year’s theme is “Reunion of ex-servicemen, welfare of beneficiaries, and sustainability of the fund.”
According to Army Spokesperson Assistant Lieutenant Colonel Rajaram Basnet, the event aims to foster closer ties between serving and retired personnel, provide updates on welfare initiatives, and gather feedback for improvements. It also serves as a platform for sharing experiences and strengthening mutual support networks among ex-servicemen and their families.
The conference will address key issues such as education, health, employment, and housing, contributing to the overall socio-economic well-being of retired personnel, single women, and dependent families. It also facilitates direct interaction between former soldiers and the Chief of Army Staff.
This year, around 33,000 participants from Lumbini, Gandaki, Madhes, and Bagmati provinces are expected to attend. The program will be held in four phases—from the third and fourth weeks of Chaitra to the first week of Baisakh—covering 34 districts across the country.
The Nepal Army believes such gatherings help strengthen trust, unity, and a sense of belonging among beneficiaries, while also guiding policy improvements through direct engagement with stakeholders.
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