Police Bill presented to OPMCM

Kathmandu, Nov 24: A Bill designed to amend and integrate Acts relating to the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) has been presented at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCSM).     

The document was tabled at the OPMCM on Sunday.     

Prior to this, the Home Ministry took an approval from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Public Service Commission to introduce the Bill to the Council of Ministers.     

According to joint secretary Bhratmani Rijal, Chief of Division of Law, Home Secretary, the Bill aims to make amendments required in regard with legal provisions in the Police Act-2012 BS and address and ensure that the police service operates in line with the Constitution and the existing laws, democracy and the rule of law being committed to the norms of human rights, gender sensitivity, accountability and professionalism.     

The document is for ensuring amendments as demanded by time regarding the Armed Police Act-2058 BS, implementing various court verdicts issued over different times on the service conditions of police personnel. It has aimed at making the police institution friendly to the human rights, thereby whetting professionalism and efficiency.     

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is hopeful that the Bill, which is considered his top priority, will be endorsed by the upcoming federal parliament.     

If approved, it will eliminate the provision of a 30-year service term in the police force, allowing lower-ranking officers to choose retirement after completing 16 years of service. The Ministry believes that the integration of these Acts will serve the best interests of both institutions.(RSS)