Kathmandu, April 2 Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the National Security Council Secretariat to monitor implementation of National Security Policy, 2073. Speaking at a programme organised to mark 16th anniversary of the secretariat here today, he said the secretariat should be able to provide suggestions to the NSC and the government. “I have felt the need to expand its scope and responsibilities,” he said. Stating that the secretariat had been playing an important role in ensuring national security, Prime Minister Dahal said, “In today’s context, security means a comprehensive strategy of national security, including multi-dimensional issues of various sectors concerned.” Noting that poverty, unemployment, social discrimination and extremist ideologies had fuelled conflict in society, the prime minister said, “It is difficult for any country to stay aloof in the context that international criminals are getting easy access to information, resources and human resources through use of information technology.” Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi, Defence Minister Bal Krishna Khand, Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri and Secretary at Defence Ministry Sridhar Sapkota were also present at the programme. The Security Council comprises the prime minister as its chairman, and defence, home and finance ministers as members. Likewise, chief secretary and army chief are also its members, while defence secretary acts as the member-secretary of the council.