Key Takeaways:
- Dr Manoj Kumar KC appointed new Inspector General of Nepal Police
- Dan Bahadur Karki assigned as special security adviser to the prime minister
- New IGP promises reforms focused on public trust and police welfare
- Government creates a new IGP-level security advisory position at the Prime Minister's Office
The government has appointed Dr Manoj Kumar KC as the new Inspector General of Nepal Police and assigned outgoing chief Dan Bahadur Karki to a newly created post of special security adviser to the prime minister.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday promoted Additional Inspector General KC to the top police post, effective November 4, under Rule 41 of the Nepal Police Regulations, 2071, government spokesperson and Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel said.
The Cabinet also decided to establish an IGP-level special security adviser position at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Karki has been assigned to the post to provide security-related advice and counsel to the prime minister, with the stated aim of strengthening national peace and security.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung conferred the rank insignia on KC and handed him his appointment letter at a programme organised at the Home Ministry on Wednesday evening. The minister's role in conferring the insignia marked a departure from the previous practice, under which the Home Ministry secretary performed the ceremony.
Addressing the programme after his appointment, KC said maintaining public trust and earning citizens' respect would be his top priorities. He pledged commitment to the Constitution and the law and said he would not compromise on the dignity and impartiality of the police organisation.
"From today, let's start the journey from duty to service delivery, where citizens should feel trust. Citizen should not fear when they see the police; every police officer should be proud of his uniform," he said.
KC said he would immediately establish a high-level mechanism in his secretariat to hear complaints from police personnel.
He also identified limited resources, inadequate police buildings, long working hours, fairness in transfers and promotions, and mental health as issues requiring serious attention.
The new IGP urged the government to provide necessary resources, legal clarity and operational autonomy. He also called on political parties to support efforts to keep the police organisation free from partisan influence.
KC holds a PhD in conflict transformation. Born in Nuwakot in 2032 BS, he joined Nepal Police as an inspector in 2054 BS.
