KATHMANDU: In the absence of parliament, the government is poised to amend the Police Act through an ordinance.

In response to provincial demands, provisions related to police adjustment are also set for amendment via the same ordinance.

Upon the enactment of the proposed ‘Nepal Police Act Ordinance-2080’, those aspiring to join as police inspectors through open competition will now be eligible to apply until the age of 27.

As per the current Police Act and Regulations, individuals aspiring for police roles can compete across three tiers. Recruitment for Police Constable occurs entirely through open competition. Meanwhile, 40 percent of Assistant Inspector of Police roles are filled through open competition, with the remaining 60 percent via internal competition. Similarly, 60% of inspectors are sourced from open competition and 40 percent from internal processes.

The role of police inspector remains an appealing choice for young entrants into the police force. Previously pegged between 20 and 25 years, the age limit for this position is now set to be extended to 27 years, as disclosed by a Ministry of Home Affairs source to Khabarhub.

The source indicated, “Given the increased duration of graduation studies to four years, the age limit for inspector recruitment needs adjustment. Henceforth, individuals can vie for the inspector role until the age of 27 under the revised system.”

Additionally, it’s reported that the criteria for police personnel promotions will undergo revision within the amended Police Act. Home officials suggest that public service merit will carry more weight than organizational officers, and the allocation of challenging job roles will be rationalized.

The source added, “The discretionary power previously granted for scoring will be more regulated.”

8 hours discussion at Home Ministry

Meanwhile, Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha engaged in an 8-hour discussion at the Ministry regarding Police Act amendments on Thursday and Friday. Shrestha briefed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on the discussion’s outcomes on Saturday evening. Sources suggest the government is set to act upon these conclusions.

Home Minister Narayankaji Shreshta, high officials of Home Ministry, Nepal Police and security experts taking part in the discussion organized by Home Ministry.

The report from the former Chief Secretary Leelamani Paudel’s team, in conjunction with recommendations from the Home Administration Reform Committee led by former Inspector General Prakash Aryal, was deliberated upon for two days at the Ministry.

Home Minister, Home Secretary, department heads, Inspector General of Police, former police officers, and security experts were part of the discussion, lasting 5 hours on the first day and 3 hours on the second day.

While these discussions unfolded at the Ministry, an incident occurred on Friday in Balkumari, Lalitpur, resulting in the tragic deaths of two young men due to excessive force. Following the incident, Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha summoned the Chief District Officer and Police Chief of Lalitpur to the ministry and expressed his concerns.

Briefing to Prime Minister

Reports suggest a briefing occurred at Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar before Prime Minister Dahal on Saturday following the finalization of proposals for home administration reform and the Police Act amendment draft.

The source mentioned, “The agenda for discussing Police Act amendment between the Home Minister and the Prime Minister was scheduled for Saturday morning. However, it was postponed until after the Cabinet meeting on Saturday afternoon to prioritize discussions about the Balkumari incident.”

Sources revealed that a team, including former Chief Secretary Leelamani Paudel and former IGP Prakash Aryal, briefed Home Minister Shrestha on the topics to be encompassed in the Police Ordinance.

The source added, “The Prime Minister was briefed on these issues. The government is now set to introduce a new police act and an ordinance regarding provincial police adjustments