Government to Expand Electronic Court System, Develop APF as Dedicated Border Force

Kathmandu — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has announced various plans and programmes for the rule of law and national security sector through the budget.

Wagle said an "electronic court management system" will be expanded by making maximum use of information technology to make the justice system swift and effective. He said a free legal aid programme will be run for poor citizens and those in remote areas.

The Finance Minister said the remaining work related to the peace process and transitional justice will be brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.

He said the National Security Policy, 2075, will be reviewed.

Wagle said Rs 2 billion has been allocated to continue the housing upgrade programme for Nepali Army personnel.

He said historical forts and citadels will be conserved and linked with tourism.

The Finance Minister said emphasis will be placed on the use of technology to make the Nepal Police's investigation and prosecution process effective. He said investment will be increased in forensic laboratories, the use of artificial intelligence in investigation, and physical infrastructure development.

He said a study will be carried out on reviewing the existing gap between the retirement service period and the period at which pensions begin for the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force.

Wagle said the Armed Police Force Nepal will be developed as a dedicated professional force for international border security.

The Finance Minister said prisons will be strengthened, their capacity expanded, and they will be gradually transformed into correction homes by implementing the open prison concept.

He said the capacity of the workforce and volunteers involved in disaster response will be developed. He added that risk-transfer instruments, including insurance, will be expanded for post-disaster compensation, relief, and reconstruction.