Senior police officers claim that deputing AIGs to the regions would fundamentally derail the long-practiced chain of command in the organization. “The regions are the sensitive areas and the leadership there should be chosen on the basis of qualifications and performance.” They contend that the police force will have to stand a good many setbacks if AIGs are backed to command the regions. [break]
"Some of them are already controversial. What gains should one expect from them who are about to retire if they are laden with hectic in-field responsibilities?" they claimed. "The proposal was basically made to deputize IGP´s peers to resourceful places," said a high-ranking officer. "With juniors alongside in the center, he will be setting singular leadership."
Logic in the dissident camp is that the senior-most officers, IGP and AIGS, should remain at the corporate leadership and play roles in policy-making. The government last month had appointed six new AIGs taking the number to eight.
Home Minister Bhim Rawal is said be interested in resurrecting his immediate predecessor´s proposal to make it go along as a part of the Special Security Plan (SSP). "This scheme will be highlighted during discussions in aftermath of the ongoing regional workshops," a source at Home Ministry said.
Ministry sources say regional police offices will be upgraded and new policies formed to endow the AIGs with powers more than existing ones enjoyed by DIGs. "It is not possible for AIGs to take up the regions in the existing structures," said a DIG close to IGP. "Thus there are policy work-outs in the ministerial level."
Nepal Police has its regional offices in Biratnagar, Hetauda, Pokhara, Surkhet and Dhangadhi. The government is working out to come with another episode of promotion to fulfill the nine vacant posts out of the total 23 for DIGs.
Related story
Will Major General Pandey step down amid age dispute?
