Kathmandu: Acting Chief of the Nepal Army, Ashok Sigdel, has been officially appointed as the Chief of the Nepal Army. His appointment will take effect from Bhadra 24.
President Ram Chandra Poudel made the decision in accordance with Article 267, Clause (5) of the Constitution of Nepal, upon the recommendation of the Government of Nepal’s Council of Ministers.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office spokesperson, Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, President Poudel appointed Sigdel as the Chief of the Nepal Army on Wednesday.
The current Chief of the Nepal Army, Prabhu Ram Sharma, has already taken a month-long leave starting from July 24, 2024, in preparation for his retirement. Following the traditions of the Nepal Army, Sharma will officially hand over the responsibilities to Sigdel on September 8. Sigdel’s tenure as Chief of the Nepal Army is expected to last until September 8, 2027.
Sigdel has served in the Nepal Army for nearly 38 years, with extensive education and military training both domestically and internationally. He holds a master’s degree from the Army Command and Staff College, Shivapuri, and China’s National Defense University. He has also completed the Higher Command and Management Course at Nepal’s Army War College and the Defense Management Course in India.
Throughout his military career, Sigdel has commanded various brigades, divisions, and battalions. He has also served as the Commandant of the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School. Additionally, he has held key positions, including head of the War Operations Department and Director-General of the Logistics, Policy, and Planning Directorate, as well as serving as the Military Assistant to the Chief of the Nepal Army.
Sigdel’s international experience includes participation in various seminars, training sessions, and meetings, as well as serving as a United Nations peacekeeper in former Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia. He has been honored with numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Suprabal Janasewashree (Third Class).
During his promotion from Lieutenant General to General, Sigdel faced allegations regarding discrepancies in his citizenship and educational certificates. However, the then-government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal dismissed these allegations, clearing the way for Sigdel’s promotion to General, which ultimately led to his appointment as the Chief of the Nepal Army.
