Two Helicopters to Be Kept Ready for Disaster Rescue: Home Minister Gurung

Kathmandu – Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has announced that two helicopters will be kept on standby to provide immediate rescue assistance to citizens affected during disasters. He shared this information during an inspection visit to the Armed Police Force Nepal headquarters on Chaitra 17.

Expressing gratitude towards the Armed Police personnel who risk their lives to conduct rescue operations during disaster management, Minister Gurung emphasized that there is no greater wealth than the lives of ordinary citizens. He directed the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and security forces to remain in constant readiness to serve and protect citizens during emergencies.

Recalling that the Armed Police have previously received disaster management training, Minister Gurung noted their close involvement with security personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic and in raising the national flag at border checkpoints. He affirmed his comprehensive understanding of the duties, rights, and challenges faced by security forces. He instructed the Armed Police personnel to remain prepared from the onset of any disaster, stressing that manpower must be available not only in barracks but actively in the field to undertake extensive efforts for disaster management.

Addressing the issue of illegal smuggling and trafficking from border areas, the Home Minister pledged that the ministry would move forward with strict measures. He also announced the ministry’s initiative to end the obligation requiring Armed Police personnel to serve in the same position for 13 to 14 years. Minister Gurung stated that since he took office, he has been committed to serving the citizens and security forces, assuring that the Armed Police personnel will be provided transparent opportunities for transfers, promotions, and other benefits.

Armed Police Inspector General Raju Aryal, on the same occasion, said the Home Minister’s directives have boosted employee morale and inspired disciplined and result-oriented work in their areas of responsibility. He noted that without authority, it is difficult to achieve outcomes, highlighting the need to amend the special regulations from 2001 (2058 BS) to enhance the capability of the Armed Police Force. Inspector General Aryal also mentioned that the lower-ranking personnel face difficulties sustaining their livelihood on their current salaries and benefits and added that if the government provided free education and healthcare for their families and children, the problem of personnel leaving for foreign employment would be prevented.

The event was attended by Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, Armed Police Deputy Inspector General Bishnu Prasad Bhatt, Additional Inspector Generals Narayandatta Paudel, Banshiraj Dahal, Ganesh Bahadur Thadamagar, along with officers and constables.