Article Posted on : - Mar 12, 2014

KATHMANDU (PTI): In an effort to make the force more inclusive, the traditionally male-dominated Nepal Army has recruited 158 women as soldiers.

The women were inducted on Monday after they completed a nine-month basic recruitment training at an army training centre in Trishuli, 75 km west of Kathmandu.

Major General Victor J B Rana and other high-level officers observed the parade of the new recruits in Kathmandu.

Addressing the function, Rana told the army personnel to serve the interests of the people and the country with honesty and professional integrity.

The induction of women will contribute to making the army more inclusive, army headquarters said in a release.

Women from different ethnic groups including Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Newar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit and Chaudhary communities, were among the inductees, the Nepal Army's Directorate of Public Relations said.

There are more than 2,250 women soldiers already serving in different capacities in the Nepal Army.