KATHMANDU: The government is planning to introduce a provision of written examination for the promotion of Superintendent of Police to Deputy Inspector General of Police. It has already started groundwork to replace the Police Act 2012 with a new one for the purpose.

The Home Ministry has already sent a proposal of introducing compulsory written examination for the promotion of police officials from SP to DIG, according to a Home Ministry source.

Only the posts of constable and inspector are being filled through free competition and internal promotion. The home ministry has proposed to fill the posts of constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police through free competition and internal promotion. According to Police Act 2012, police officials from DSP to IGP are promoted on the basis of seniority and their working capacity. While the promotion of DIG, AIG and IGP is decided by the cabinet, the promotion of personnel below DIG is decided by the police headquarters.

According to the proposal submitted by the Ministry to the cabinet, the candidates seeking promotion from DIG to AIG and AIG to IGP should submit a research based thesis, as demanded by the promotion committee.

The ministry has also proposed to change the working period of police personnel as well. According to the proposal, the working period would be four years for DIG, three years for AIG and two years for the IGP. It has also proposed to introduce the provision of compulsory retirement for thoe personnel who have served in the force for 30 years.

According to an official at the Ministry, a three-member exam and promotion committee, led by home secretary, would be formed until the new provision is not institutionalised.

Though the new Act is yet to be drafted, the home ministry has already called several DIGs for interview for their promotion. However, an official at the Ministry said the new Act would be implemented immediately after the cabinet's nod.

Police personnel can sit for written test for their promotion after completing a service period of five years as DSP, six years as SP and five years as SSP. A masters degree is a must to compete for the post of DIG.