KATHMANDU, Aug 17: In a bid to enhance organizational efficiency, Nepal Police undertook a major personnel reshuffle on Tuesday, transferring 958 police inspectors as per the 'police personnel transfer standard-2079 BS.' This move was aimed at streamlining the transfer process within Nepal Police.

Addressing the initiative, Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha affirmed a commitment to adhering to regulations and promoting transparency. He emphasized the eradication of bribery and manipulation, which reinvigorated the police force.

However, a controversy has surfaced barely a day after the mass transfers. Reports indicate that the government is poised to transfer higher-ranking police officers in contravention of established norms. Sources suggest that the Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to propose the transfer of four recently appointed Additional Inspector Generals of Police (AIGs) – Tek Prasad Rai, Meera Chaudhary, Shyamalal Gyawali, and Deepak Thapa – who have been in their posts for a mere four months.

A source within the home ministry revealed that the proposal's finalization is imminent, with plans to present it to the Cabinet shortly. A potential transfer of AIG Rai from the National Police Academy to the administration department under the Police Headquarters is in motion, with AIG Shyamalal Gyawali lined up as his replacement.

Likewise, the government is preparing to reassign Deepak Thapa to the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, where Gyawali currently serves. Thapa, currently within the administration department at the police HQ, could take over responsibilities currently managed by Meera Chaudhary, who is positioned at the administration department.

Of the eight AIG positions within the police, the CIB, National Police Academy, and Kathmandu Valley Police Office hold notable roles, hence triggering intensified competition among AIGs seeking these coveted assignments.

While AIGs Gyawali and Thapa are rumored to have proximity to centers of influence, the proposed transfers raise eyebrows due to their swift occurrence within the four-month tenure. Despite this, Gyawali is recognized for his role in the investigation of a significant case involving fake Bhutanese refugees.

The controversy deepens as the AIGs, who were elevated from the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) to AIG in April, assumed their responsibilities on April 7, 2023, after the cabinet's deliberations. In line with police regulations, transfers are generally prohibited within the first year of appointment.

Critics within the police hierarchy argue that such premature transfers hinder organizational stability and the effective implementation of Nepal Police's two-year action plan. They stress that a minimum tenure of one year is essential for officers to complete their duties, fostering continuity and fortifying the police force.

"Ensuring the organization and effective implementation of Nepal Police's two-year action plan necessitates affording officers the opportunity to fulfill their responsibilities for a minimum of one year," emphasized a senior official. "Abrupt removals and transfers within four months undermine the police force's self-strengthening endeavors."

"While the government aspires for a disciplined, interference-free, and corruption-resistant police force, hasty employee transfers that serve vested interests hinder any potential for organizational enhancement," cautioned the official.

Simultaneously, AIG Rai, responsible for overseeing the National Police Academy, has expressed his dissatisfaction with an impending transfer from his current role within a mere four months. Sources indicate that he communicated his concerns to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basant Bahadur Kunwar, articulating his discontent. AIG Rai voiced his frustration at the prospect of being removed from his current position while actively contributing to positive outcomes. This transfer, if carried out, would mark only the third time AIG Rai has assumed a leadership role since joining the police force. 
 

 
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