KATHMANDU: Ashok Raj Sigdel has officially assumed command as the 45th chief of the Nepal Army. Sigdel will lead the army for the next three years.
President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed Sigdel as the Chief of Army Staff on August 28, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers as per Article 267 (5) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, effective from September 9. He had been leading the army as the officiating chief since August 8 when outgoing army chief Prabhu Ram Sharma went on a month-long home leave ahead of his retirement.
Leading an army of over 95,000 personnel and maintaining good relations with other security agencies won’t be smooth sailing even for Sigdel who has built a reputation as an exceptional and professional officer within the Nepali Army. Several officers junior to him were eyeing the position, with some even bypassing the chain of command to seek support from party leaders. Therefore, Sigdel must now enforce discipline, restore the proper chain of command within the army, and prevent attempts to tarnish the army’s reputation for personal gain. In response to these challenges, Sigdel has clearly stated his intent to maintain strict discipline throughout the ranks of the army. His leadership will be crucial in navigating these complex issues and upholding the integrity of the Nepali Army.
Another crucial challenge for Sigdel is to shield the army from involvement in or influence by dubious activities, both internally and externally. He must ensure that soldiers and officers working with professional integrity are protected from nepotism and favoritism. Additionally, he needs to prevent leakage of sensitive information to foreign embassies. Likewise, he needs to keep the army headquarters free from foreign influence, intermediaries, and certain political power centers.
Military circles also expect him to continue enhancing the production of military gear, an area where he has already shown active involvement. Major General Bhola Budhathoki, the Director General of the Directorate of Military Materials Production and Engineering, has laid a strong foundation in this regard. The directorate is currently engaged in producing various items, including uniforms, ammunition, explosives, khukuri knives, swords, raincoats and ponchos. Recent developments also include advancements in engineering college projects, as well as medical and war colleges.
Sigdel will also be responsible for completing the Kathmandu-Madhesh Fast Track Road Project, which is crucial for enhancing the army’s reputation, during his tenure. He must address internal issues contributing to the army’s declining image. Many expect Sigdel to rein in those seeking cheap publicity through media tactics, thereby ensuring that they operate within the proper chain of command. Sigdel’s leadership will be vital in tackling these challenges effectively.
Attempts to undermine the Nepali Army through political means will continue to persist, as they have in the past. Sigdel has the responsibility of safeguarding the army’s reputation while navigating these challenges. The army’s relationship with citizens has often been questioned. The army needs to create an environment where the army upholds civilian supremacy. Recent call to reduce the army’s size is another issue that requires Sigdel’s attention. He must ensure the army is appropriately sized without unnecessary reductions. Likewise, Nepal is always under the watchful eyes of its neighbors as well as western countries given its strategic location. The new army chief must remain aware of these issues and maintain balanced relations with China, India, the United States, SAARC and western countries.
Of late, calls are also being made to consider army officers while picking ambassadors given the growing importance of military diplomacy in global diplomatic strategies. Many within the army circles expect Sigdel to lobby with the government on this front as well.
The Military Welfare Fund has always drawn public scrutiny. The 60-billion-rupee fund should prioritize benefits for military families over business investments. Sigdel must address these challenges to ensure his three-year term is remembered even in the future.
A Military Strategist
Sigdel, with 38 years of military service, has not only acquired professional military education from both domestic and international institutions but has also established himself as a leading strategist within the army. He completed his higher education at the Army Command and Staff College in Shivpuri and China’s National Defense University and underwent the Higher Command and Management Course at the Army War College, as well as the Defense Management Course in India.
His reputation as a problem solver and his successful handling of critical roles such as in war operations, logistics, policy direction and regional commands have made him well-liked in the organization. Although he did not spend much time in peacekeeping missions, he was assigned significant roles in challenging locations such as the former Yugoslavia, Tajikistan and Liberia. Sigdel led the Nepali Army delegation to the 3rd US-Nepal Land Forces Dialogue in 2022 and was honored by the government for his work as Secretary of the COVID Crisis Management Center (CCMC).
Sigdel has received various prestigious national and international medals, including two CoAS Commendation Badges. He is known for his studious and thorough approach to strategic issues and is well-regarded within the army for his commitment to excellence.
Family Background
Sigdel was born on February 1, 1967, in a middle-class family in Rupandehi. He joined the army as an officer cadet in 1986. His father, Bishwaraj Sigdel, moved from his ancestral home in Tanahun to Taulihawa and then to Bhairahawa.
He came to Kathmandu with his maternal uncle for his education and ultimately joined the army. Sigdel, who ranked first in the 25th Basic Course, is a professional officer. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, trekking, studying, discussing spiritual topics and listening to music.
Before joining the army, he was a national-level boxer and a skilled Taekwondo player. He was also good at table tennis during his school years.
Among his four siblings, one has passed away, and he has three sisters. Sigdel is married to Nita KC of Kathmandu, and they have one son, Ashutosh, who is currently studying at the postgraduate level.
