President Ramchandra Paudel Confers Rank Insignia on New Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel

President Ramchandra Paudel has conferred the rank insignia on the newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), Ashok Raj Sigdel, during a special ceremony held today at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.

At the event, Sigdel took the oath of office and secrecy before the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army. Sigdel, now the 45th CoAS of the Nepali Army, officially assumed command immediately following the ceremony.

The occasion was attended by Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal.

Prior to this, Sigdel had been serving as the Acting CoAS since August 9, following the government’s decision. This temporary role was necessitated by the provision requiring the sitting CoAS to take one-month home leave before retirement.

Former CoAS Prabhu Ram Sharma retired today after completing his three-year term, paving the way for Sigdel to take over as the new head of the Nepali Army.