Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha on Monday conferred the insignia of office on the newly appointed Inspector General of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal.
A cabinet meeting held last week promoted Paudel to the top post of APF Nepal.
At a ceremony in the home ministry on Monday, Secretary Shrestha congratulated Inspector General Poudel and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. He also urged Poudel to strengthen professionalism and institutional capacity within the APF.
The home secretary emphasised the need to ensure fair and predictable transfers and promotions within the organisation, stating that a well-managed transfer system and career development framework would help reduce grievances among personnel.
Shrestha also praised APF Nepal’s performance despite limited resources and directed the force to remain prepared for rescue, relief, and disaster management operations during the upcoming monsoon season.
Also speaking on the occasion, Poudel thanked the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs for entrusting him with the responsibility. He paid tribute to fallen APF personnel, including founding Inspector General Krishna Mohan Shrestha, and wished a speedy recovery of injured officers.
Paudel said the role of the APF chief carries significant responsibility beyond organisational leadership, including safeguarding national security, managing borders, maintaining peace and good governance, and protecting people’s lives, property and freedoms. He expressed commitment to carry out his duties with integrity, impartiality and commitment, guided by the constitution, law and national interest.
Senior security officials, including the Inspector General of Nepal Police, former APF Nepal chiefs, and high-ranking officials from the National Investigation Department and the Home Ministry, were present at the ceremony.
