KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted a bill to amend and unify the laws governing the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force of Nepal to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
The bill was submitted on Sunday following approval from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Public Service Commission.
Bharatmani Rijal, Joint Secretary and Chief of the Law Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that the bill seeks to revise and amend the Police Act of 2012 and the Armed Police Act of 2001.
The proposed changes aim to address the service conditions of police and armed police personnel as directed by various Supreme Court judgments, ensuring the police force is committed to upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, human rights, democracy, and gender sensitivity.
The bill also focuses on enhancing the operational efficiency, accountability, professionalism, and responsiveness of both police forces. The amended provisions would align the police and armed police services with contemporary needs, such as crime prevention, public security, disaster management, and border security.
Following the submission to the Council of Ministers, the bill will be presented to the Federal Parliament for approval. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has prioritized the bill and is committed to its passage in the upcoming session of the Federal Parliament.
Notably, the bill proposes key changes, including the abolition of the 30-year service limit in the police, enabling police personnel to retire after 16 years of service, and promoting inclusivity and national representation within the police force.
The Home Ministry believes these reforms will strengthen the police organizations, making them more systematic, effective, and aligned with current demands.
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