Chief of Army Staff (Nepal)


The Chief of Army Staff , informally known as Chief Sa'ab, is a military appointment and statutory office held by the four-star rank army general in the Nepalese Army, who is appointed by the President of Nepal on the recommendation of Council of Ministers of Nepal. The Chief of Army Staff is the commander and head of the Nepalese Army.
The Chief of Army Staff is the Chief of the Nepalese Army and reports to the Government of Nepal. The appointment is constitutionally subjected to be for three years or up to 61 years of age whichever is earlier. The seat of Chief of Army Staff is in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu. The current Chief of Army Staff is General Purna Chandra Thapa, since 9 September 2018.

History

The Kajis of Gorkha Kingdom carried the functions of army chief. In the 19th century, Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa was the first person to use Commander-in-Chief as the title of army chief. During the Rana dynasty, the post of army chief was hereditary. In 1979, General Singha Pratap Shah was raised with the title of Chief of Army Staff instead of Commander-in-Chief. Since then, COAS is the title of army chief of Nepalese Army.

Appointment

As per Section 8 of Army Act of Nepal, the Chief of Army Staff is appointed by the President of Nepal on the recommendation of Council of Ministers of Nepal. The Chief of Army Staff is the head of the Nepalese military. As per Section 10 of the same, the appointment is subjected to be for three years or up to 61 years whichever is earlier. As per Section 8 of Nepal Army Act, in case of leave by current COAS, the President of Nepal can appoint the seniormost officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff. When General Rajendra Chhetri left for 15 days tour on 30 June 2017 to United States, Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Baldev Raj Mahat was appointed Acting Chief of the Army Staff as per section 8. Similarly, then CGS Lt. Gen. Purna Chandra Thapa was appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff on 8 August 2018 at the traditional last month leave of General Chhetri.

Powers, duties and responsibilities

As per Section 9 of Army Act of Nepal, the Chief of Army Staff shall manage the armed forces under the instructions of the Government of Nepal and according to prevailing laws and acts. As per Section 9, the COAS shall submit an annual report on the management of Nepalese armed forces to the Government of Nepal on the Baisakh month of Hindu calendar.

Removal

As per Section 11 of the Army Act, COAS is normally retired on completion of 3 years or up to age of 61 years of the person, whichever is earlier. However, as per the section 11 of the same, the COAS can be removed by the President of Nepal if deemed necessary by Government of Nepal on the recommendation of Council of Ministers of Nepal.

List of Chiefs of the Army Staff of Nepal (1979–present)

Vice Chief of Army Staff

Chief of General Staff is the deputy position of the Chief of Army Staff. The CGS is generally ranked as Lieutenant General. The chief of general staff is assigned to look after intelligence and operations in the Army. Currently, Lt. Gen. Sarad Giri is the CGS of the Nepal Army.

Books