By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Apr. 5: Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma has said that the Nepali Army has always been serious and sensitive to protect the national interests such as independence, integrity, national unity and social harmony in the nation.

He said that the Nepali Army was always ready to face any situation and would continue to do so in the future as well.
Stating that the army has always been dedicated to keep alive the golden and glorious history created by the ancestors, he expressed his view that the army is the centre of faith and trust of the Nepali people and a symbol of unity.

Inaugurating the Ex-Servicemen’s Conference 2078 held with the objective of direct meeting and reunion among the retired soldiers in Nepalgunj on Monday, he said that proper management of the economic prosperity and well-being of the retired soldiers was for strengthening the pillars of the Nepali Army.
The conference was attended by 25,000 ex-soldiers from Banke and Bardiya districts.

General Sharma said, “Join the political party of your choice. But, follow the military discipline learned in the army and display high moral, good and disciplined character. “
Urging the ex-soldiers to contribute to the society, he said that the nation would be better only if the society was good.

CoAS Sharma highly praised the assistance of the ex-soldiers to the nation in times of calamities including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stating that the army is working with various plans to raise the living standard of retired soldiers, he said that the Army Welfare Fund has been increasing financial and material assistance for the ex-servicemen and their families.

He said that he was preparing to run a military engineering college for the army and that it would be implemented soon. The army has already established Nepal Army Agriculture College in Lamjung.
On the occasion, CoAS Sharma interacted directly with retired soldiers and listened to their complaints and suggestions.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepali Army Welfare Board and Retired Lieutenant General Gaurav Tandul said that the Board has provided a loan of Rs. 6.68 billion to 32,121 armies including, 22,520 retired armies and their families and 9,601 serving military personnel.

Chief of the General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Bal Krishna Karki said that the organsation was working to create employment opportunities in the country by expanding the services and facilities of the Army Welfare Fund.