As part of the workshop series of Provincial and Federal Police Training project, Niti Foundation in collaboration with ‘Center for Security and Justice Studies’ organized a discussion workshop on “Provisions to be included in the Nepal Police Bill for Modern Policing” on the Friday 30th of August, 2024. Throughout the workshop, home minister, Chair of the State Affairs and Governance committee of the house of the representatives, parliamentarians, political party leaders, Inspector General of Nepal Police, lawyers, former and current senior police officers from both Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, former and current bureaucrats from concern ministry/agency, and academicians highlighted imperative issues to be included for Police Act amendment. The rationale of this discussion was based on the need to reform and update the obsolete Police Act of 1955 A.D. born from the colonial policing system to meet contemporary safety and security needs and challenges in Nepal. In the same, issues emphasized were concerned with accountability, transparency, impartiality, functional autonomy, community representation, job specialization, etc. required for a holistic and comprehensive framework for democratic policing.
The keynote speaker, Home Minister Hon. Ramesh Lekhak, pointing out this is great timing for this discussion on police reform, committed to pass this modern Police Bill within 100 days reiterating the urgency for up-to-date police law that builds capacity to manage and address the crimes of the modern times. Similarly, President of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Hon. Ramhari Khatiwada, commended Nepal Police for its good reputation in South Asia, and concurred with moving forward with including the major discussion points in new Police Bill and policing services.
