Home Ministry orders recall of security personnel from personal VIP duties

Nepal’s Home Ministry has directed the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to recall security personnel assigned to VVIPs and VIPs for personal or domestic duties within seven days. The directive, issued on Thursday, follows numerous complaints that security personnel were being used for purposes other than security, in violation of the ‘Security Management Procedure for VVIPs and VIPs, 2081’.The ministry warned that officers or officials found deploying security personnel contrary to its instructions and the procedure would face disciplinary action. The move aims to curb the misuse of state resources and ensure that security personnel are focused on their primary responsibilities.The ‘Security Management Procedure for VVIPs and VIPs, 2081’ clearly outlines the provisions for personal security officers (PSOs) for incumbent and former officials, as well as security personnel. However, the Home Ministry stated that it has received complaints indicating widespread deviation from these guidelines, with security personnel being engaged in household or personal tasks rather than security duties.According to the ministry, such practices not only lead to the misuse of security personnel but also compromise their core duties. The directive emphasizes the need to adhere strictly to the established protocols to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of security arrangements for VVIPs and VIPs.The Home Ministry has urged the public, including the deployed security personnel themselves, to report any instances where security personnel are being used for personal or domestic work in violation of the law. The ministry stated that it would ensure the confidentiality of those who provide such information through its call center.This is not the first time the government has addressed concerns regarding VIP security. Previously, the government had prepared to amend the ‘Security Management Procedure for VVIPs, 2077’. This came after a doctor at the Trauma Center was allegedly assaulted by police for being on a road cleared for then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s motorcade, leading to widespread protests by medical professionals. During talks with the protesting doctors, a government team agreed to revise the procedure.The Home Ministry has instructed both the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force to ensure that all security personnel deployed or retained contrary to the procedure are mandatorily returned to their respective duty stations within seven days. The ministry also warned that it would monitor compliance with the directive and take action against any officer or official found to be in violation.Separately, the Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives has directed authorities to take action against those who overcharge passengers during the upcoming festive season. Ashish Gajurel, chairperson of the committee, inspected the New Bus Park in Gongabu and instructed relevant bodies to control potential fraud during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. He estimated that 1 million to 1.5 million passengers would leave the Kathmandu Valley during this period and urged for adequate arrangements.The committee has already submitted a report, prepared by a sub-committee led by Member of Parliament Dhanendra Karki, to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The report suggests that there are sufficient buses for the estimated number of passengers, but proper management is crucial. Gajurel also mentioned that additional buses, including those from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and other government agencies, could be deployed if needed, especially during the peak travel period from Fulpati to Navami.Deknath Gautam, General Secretary of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, stated that the federation is working to ensure smooth transportation services during the festive season and has instructed all entrepreneurs to charge only government-mandated fares.In other news, Press Council Nepal has directed Ratopati.com to submit a written clarification within three days regarding a news report that journalist Sanjita Dhamala claims defamed her. Dhamala alleged that the article, titled ‘New revelation in the phenyl case: Plan to bring ‘phenyl’ made after lockdown’, published on Ashoj 14 (BS), linked her name without basis or evidence. She also claimed that Ratopati.com did not properly publish her rebuttal. Mahendraraj Singh, Monitoring Officer at Press Council Nepal, signed the letter requesting Ratopati.com to provide factual evidence for their report, in line with the Journalist Code of Conduct, 2073 (First Amendment, 2076).