Armed police force unveils comprehensive welfare programs for employees and families

Kathmandu: Marking its 26th year since establishment during the country’s conflict period, the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has announced a series of new welfare programs for its employees and their families. The announcement comes shortly after the APF celebrated its 25th Silver Jubilee.

Under the new initiatives, the APF will provide social security facilities, foster care services, and financial assistance to employees injured or disabled during the conflict. An annual social security allowance of Rs 12,000 will be provided to one parent of a martyred or immortalized employee who has reached the age of 70.

The cash loan facility for incumbent employees has been expanded according to service period. Senior officers can now access up to Rs 1.5 million, junior officers up to Rs 1.2 million, and badged soldiers and attendants up to Rs 1 million. The scope of concessional loans and installment-based provision of electronic equipment for teachers at APF schools has also been broadened.

Additional welfare measures include the launch of a well-equipped 'pay cabin' service at the APF Hospital and educational scholarships for children of specially trained armed forces personnel. A one-time educational incentive of Rs 12,000 will be awarded to a child of an employee who ranks best in the ‘Special Task Force’ training, covering students from grades 1 to 12.

The APF will also introduce a kinship care service, providing accommodation and related facilities for current and retired employees and their families in the event of death. A two-room structure is planned within the kinship care building at Tarakeswor Dham, located at the confluence of Bishnumati-Mahadev Khola in Balaju, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16.

The loan facility for purchasing four-wheelers has been enhanced, with financing now available for up to 80 percent of the vehicle price, compared to the previous limit of Rs 2 million. Programs to expand the family visit quota for instructors, upgrade electric vehicle charging stations, and establish new stations have also been introduced.

Furthermore, the APF will expand its annual recognition awards, introducing the ‘Officer of the Year’ and ‘JCOS of the Year’ awards starting next year, in addition to the existing ‘Junior of the Year’ award. A one-time financial assistance of Rs 10,000 will also be provided to 15 employees who were injured or disabled during the conflict.