Nepal’s Home Minister says the police force is about to be modernised. What he has announced is a set of plans. It is not yet a change in the law.
Speaking on October 16 at a programme marking the 71st Police Day, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said the government is preparing a new Police Bill and wider reforms. The stated goals are a more professional, technologically capable and accountable Nepal Police.
What the minister announced
Gurung said the government wants to improve the force’s organisational structure, make transfers and promotions more systematic, expand service benefits such as housing and healthcare, and digitise police offices.
Transfers and promotions
A key stated aim is clearer, more transparent career rules. Gurung said decisions should reward work and results, rather than the habit of pleasing senior officers. Transfers and promotions shape morale and independence inside any police force, so this is a point the public can watch.
Welfare
The proposals include better housing, healthcare and other service benefits. The minister also referred to risk allowances and meal or snack costs for personnel in disaster-rescue operations.
Technology and investigations
Gurung said police need stronger technical skills because crime increasingly involves digital systems and crosses borders. He named artificial intelligence, cybercrime and financial-crime investigation, digital forensics, DNA profiling and DNS forensics. He also stressed cooperation with neighbouring countries and regional partners on information sharing and cross-border offences.
These tools could help with online fraud, digital evidence and complex financial cases. Results will depend on trained staff, equipment, reliable evidence handling and protection of sensitive information.
Trust and accountability
The minister called for citizen-friendly conduct, timely action on complaints and impartial investigations. He said corruption, abuse of power and favouritism should not be tolerated.
The government has also indicated it wants more police staff after an organisational and management survey.
Is it a new bill?
Parliament’s website already lists a Nepal Police Bill, 2081, with registration and committee-stage activity. The accessible record does not show it was enacted.
So it is unclear whether the government is drafting a fresh bill, revising that one or pushing it forward. An announcement does not change the law. The bill’s text, its progress in Parliament, funding and implementation will decide what changes.
