In a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha officially conferred the insignia of Inspector General (IG) upon Narayan Datta Paudel. This promotion follows the cabinet decision made on April 27, marking a transition in the leadership of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal.
During the investiture, Secretary Shrestha emphasized the need for a transparent and predictable career development system within the force. He instructed the new chief to prioritize merit-based transfers and promotions to minimize internal grievances and boost professional morale across the ranks.
The Home Secretary also highlighted the APF's role in the upcoming monsoon season. He directed the force to maintain high readiness for disaster rescue and relief operations, acknowledging their ability to deliver results through the "BIRD" concept despite existing resource constraints.
Accepting his new role, IG Narayan Datta Paudel expressed gratitude to the government and paid tribute to the late founding IG Krishna Mohan Shrestha and other fallen officers. He described his appointment not just as a leadership role, but as a high-level responsibility to safeguard national integrity, border security, and public safety.
Paudel committed to running the organization through established policies rather than individual discretion. He revealed a strategic action plan focused on institutional strengthening and modernization, seeking government support for legislative updates and resources.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Nepal Police, former APF chiefs, and senior representatives from the National Investigation Department and Home Ministry.
