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KATHMANDU, MARCH 08
The growing geopolitical implications and enhanced interconnectedness between national interests and security and transnational organised crimes have only increased the obligation of the armed forces to protect the state and its citizens.
In response to this call, the government has issued the 'Defense University and Development Board Formation Order 2019(2076)' to pave the way for establishing the long-awaited defense university at Perungedanda of Kavrepalanchowk.
The Nepali Army has stated that the primary purpose for establishing the university is to produce manpower on national security and defense matters.
It is to be a "totally homegrown project" and will be built with Nepal's own resources -a revolutionary initiation in the transformation of the army.
The university will confine itself to being a generator of defense strategies for the welfare of the state.
It will also act as a primary advisor to the government on the strategic posture to be taken on security and defense-related issues. Regarding the changing nature of global and regional security matters, the university can produce qualified manpower to produce a vibrant defense policy.
Apart from churning out skilled manpower and experts in the country itself, the defense university will also make pivotal contribution in propagating research in defense management and promoting science and technology in the defense sector.
As the university will not be confined to offering courses to Nepalis only, the presence of foreigners will enhance interaction between Nepalis and foreigners on defense and security aspects. Even India and China, our immediate neighbours, have pledged support to the defense university in whatever way they can.
Furthermore, Nepali Army officials have claimed that such an academic institution will help the national defense forces to expand military and civilian diplomacy by attracting foreigners at the university. Nepal has been sending military and security officials to neighbouring countries and overseas for courses related to national security, defense, military cooperation and diplomacy as well as other evolving foreign policy and security issues.
The establishment of the university is not related to further mushrooming of universities in the country, it is related to national security and defense. But some experts say Nepal should be careful while moving ahead with the defense university plan, as it involves a wide range of concerns, especially given the geopolitical scenario. This means that it must take into consideration the advice of 'think-tanks'.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 09, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
