Kathmandu: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak emphasized that the country’s security agencies are operating with limited resources and means. Minister Lekhak pointed out the severe resource constraints faced by agencies such as Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) during discussions on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ budget for the upcoming fiscal year, as outlined in the Appropriation Bill-2082 BS at a National Assembly meeting.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Lekhak responded to queries from National Assembly members by stating that Rs 400 million has been earmarked for infrastructure development for security agencies under an investment partnership model involving all three levels of government. Despite the budgetary constraints, he acknowledged demands to establish temporary police posts, upgrade them to permanent ones, and enhance existing posts, pledging that the Ministry prioritizes addressing these demands gradually.
Further, he informed the Upper House that bills related to transfers and promotions within security agencies, aimed at enhancing their professionalism, are currently under review in the State Affairs and Good-Governance Committee of the House of Representatives.
In response to recent earthquakes in Doti, Bajhang, and Jajarkot, Minister Lekhak reported that relief and rehabilitation efforts have been accelerated in the affected areas. He stated that details of 77,528 quake-affected households have been gathered, with approximately Rs 3.95 billion allocated for the reconstruction of quake-damaged houses in the impacted districts.
The government is also working towards establishing warehouses at every local level, with support from local and provincial governments, to store essential materials for disaster response and relief operations. Additionally, Minister Lekhak noted that facilities in prisons across the country are being enhanced to protect the basic human rights of prisoners.
Lastly, he mentioned that funds have been allocated to transform prisons into reform centers, offering vocational and skill-oriented training, psychosocial counseling, and opportunities for inmates to engage in small-scale enterprises.