KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has said the government is preparing to reform Nepal Police through new legislation to make the force more capable, professional and modern.
Speaking at a programme marking the 71st Police Day on Friday, Gurung said work was underway on a new Police Bill to systematize transfers, promotions and service facilities, including housing and healthcare, and to encourage police personnel.
He said the government planned to digitalize Nepal Police offices and use the knowledge and skills of retired security personnel. He also stressed strengthening the force's capacity to investigate transnational crime through information sharing, technological cooperation and regional mechanisms.
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Referring to the recent meeting of BIMSTEC home ministers in New Delhi and his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Gurung said stronger cooperation was necessary to control cross-border crime and strengthen Nepal's internal security. He warned that anyone leaking sensitive state information would not be granted impunity and urged police personnel to maintain confidentiality.
The minister called on Nepal Police to enhance its expertise in artificial intelligence, digital forensics, cybercrime, financial crime investigation, DNS forensics and DNA profiling. He urged the force to make its uniform a symbol of public trust and cooperation rather than fear and intimidation.
Gurung said citizens' trust in the state depended on police conduct, fair investigations and effective disaster rescue efforts. He said risk allowances and snack expenses had been arranged for security personnel involved in disaster rescue, while a proposal had been made to increase police posts following an organizational and management survey.
Describing investment in police infrastructure and technology as a government priority, he urged personnel to adopt citizen-friendly conduct, keep citizens at the centre of their work from complaint registration to investigation, and maintain zero tolerance toward crime.
Gurung also paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, praising those who continued rescue operations despite losing colleagues in disasters, including the August 26 flooding in Bhotekoshi, Rasuwa, and subsequent incidents in Manang, Mustang and the Budhi Gandaki area.