Understanding on 15-yr gratuity reached

KATHMANDU: The Secretariat formed under the Army Integration Special Committee has reached an understanding to provide gratuity equivalent to some 15 years of service to those Maoist PLA combatants who wish to receive a ‘golden handshake package’ instead of joining security forces.

A two-day ‘informal’ meeting of the 12-member Secretariat concluded at Gokarna Resort today reached the understanding, making the basis for golden handshake based on the Acts dealing with Civil Service, Military Service, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. The meeting reached the understanding keeping in mind that the Maoist combatants too have served the country for at least 12 years since the ‘people’s war’ was launched in 1996.

“All members of the Secretariat, including those representing the Maoists, agreed to the basis for golden handshake,” a non-Maoist member of the Secretariat told The Himalayan Times. If the Secretariat moves forward as per today’s understanding, a Maoist combatant will receive Rs 400,000 from the government.

Besides the gratuity, the Maoist members, however, had also insisted on additional ‘republic bonus’ for those opting for the golden handshake, according to sources. Non-Maoist members didn’t accept the idea, added the source.

“We have reached an understanding on a golden handshake package for combatants,” said Maoist member in the Secretariat Chandra Prakash Khanal.

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