KATHMANDU: With more than 10,200 of its members deserting their service prior to the end of their tenure, it is deciphered that Nepal Police, once the dream institution for the job is failing to tempt and retain the youths in its force for various reasons.

Although deemed as the government service, the police force seems to be losing its charm in public eyes as most of its staff trained to restraint hardship are found resigning from the post and seeking their fate in foreign lands.

The early resigning members of the force range from the Assistant, the down most in the portfolio to the Deputy Inspector General of police. Lately, DIG Ramesh Kharel, also esteemed as the prospective IGP prior to the appointment of Sarbendra Khanal, the incumbent IGP.

Citing that the institution had no room for merit anymore,   and dissatisfied, the competitor for the post of IGP, DIG Kharel took to resignation.

Prior to Kharel, Navaraj Silwal, another DIG had resigned from the post citing similar reasons in 2017. Silwal was dissatisfied with the government’s picking of Prakash Aryal as IGP as he claimed he was at the top for the selection. Shila Kansakar Karki, a DIG (Technical) also resigned citing personal reasons. Thus, three DIG resigned in a year, in one way or another, being dissatisfied with the functioning at the office.

Previously, Ghanananda Bhatta and Subodh Ghimire, the SSPs had formally quitted their posts stating they did not get justice. Gorakh Singh Bhandari, Sanukaji Lamichhane, Narendra Uprety the SPs are some other senior officials paving room for premature exit from the service.

According to the statistics at the Police Headquarter, 3073 members of the police force including 3 SPs have quitted their job since Mid-April, 2019 making the list of such quitters 10267 in the last 6 years.

The posts ‘discarded’

As per the statistics, 3 DIGs had left the job in 2017, when 2 SSPs, 5 SPs, 19 DSPs and 67 Inspectors have discarded their post prematurely since 2014.

According to Bishwo Raj Pokharel, DIGP and the spokesperson of the Police, the head constables outnumber all the rest in discontinuing their job as the data reveals that 6100 head constables have resigned from the post. Similarly, 1673 constables, 1623 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 513 Sub-Inspectors and 262 Constables have dropped the service voluntarily.

Ineffective internal circular

Earlier, the organization had issued a circular as a measure to curb the drop-out ratio. However, the circular expected to help identify the concern of the dissatisfied and curb the premature discontinuation of the staff the attempt bore no fruits owing to the political interference and various defaming cases in the organization.

Defying the comments saying its members were leaving the job due to political interference, DIGP Pokharel said, “It’s not true that the Nepal Police was being discarded by its members due to the political setting and other reasons, however, what the deserting people say cannot be true all the time.” He opined that one or two cases of interference should not be generalized and defame the organization.

What’s behind the giving up?

The ones in good positions or the people with special knowledge about the police psyche claim that most of the senior officers quit the job due to ego and ‘injustice’ in the organization, whereas the junior staff discards the job for alternative jobs or foreign employment. The latter resigns sadly citing the livelihood problem. Besides, some more desert the post after they get Visa, or DV Lottery.

Another reason behind the resignation from the junior ranks is the ‘non-professional’ behavior of the seniors. They also resign being fed up with uneven overtime duty, insufficient perks and facilities, lack of proper evaluation etc.

“Rather than washing the clothes of the boss’s family members, it’s better to be a cab-driver,” said one of the constables who has taken to driving his own taxi after resigning from the post of constable.

The punishment ranging from suspense to dismissal, gratuity bar etc. is believed to be catalytic in worsening the workplace environment. The provision allowing them to retire at 18 years in service is also a considerable factor as the workers expect to join another profession after retirement.

The tempting opportunities they get in the security companies or security forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, Singapore and many other countries is the main reason for betraying the service here. The pension they get in Nepal helps them meet the basic requirements when the extra income from foreign companies ensures future security.

DIGP Pokharel regards recruitment and resignation as a natural phenomenon everywhere. “The police force cannot be an exception.” He adds.

“The joining and leaving the service in such big organization is a natural phenomenon,” he further says, “however, there is no truth in the saying that someone has to resign not getting further opportunities or being victimized in one way or another.”

Speaking to Khabarhub he affirmed there can be some dissatisfaction from some corners sometimes, however that is not chronic as described by non-members.

Whatever the claims may sound like, it’s obvious that the police certificates have a good market internationally esp. in foreign employment. The decision of quitting an organization one identified themselves with is not an easy decision for the quitters as well. The organization should try to understand the problem of the junior staff as well. The foundation becomes weak when the people who have spent more than a decade in one organization decide to quit feeling dissatisfied with the operation or management.

Experts demand organizational review

The experts and security strategists hold the opinion that the issues of ‘dissatisfaction’ in the organization should not be dismissed or ignored. They think the late response to such issues turns counter-productive to the state and the organization both.

“The state spends a lot to prepare a professional from a raw individual, hence, the person ripened with skills and experience has to be an asset for the organization,” expounds Jaya Bahadur Chand former AIGP, the reason to heed the trend and work for retention. “Chand adds, “When such resource discards the job owing to dissatisfaction, his decision impacts other aspiring candidates adversely.

Obviously, the ‘deserting’ party also has an excuse. If the income does not suffice, it’s natural for them to seek alternatives for income. The state should endorse a special package to address such issues.

Keshav Adhikari, Former DIGP thinks the organization has to serious about its members’ dissatisfaction.

Stating the political interference in the promotion and transfer of the police officer as a key factor, former DIG Adhikari says, “The honest, capable and sincere personnel feel discouraged and upset at the trend.”

The trend of discarding ‘a bird in hand to catch two in the bush’ is at a rise in other security agencies like Nepal Army, Nepal Armed Police Force and National Intelligence Department.

This demands a prompt action as the trend may turn chronic later.