Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Friday said that the government is preparing to procure weapons for Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in accordance with existing laws, stressing that the procurement process would be transparent and within the budget allocated for the current fiscal year.

Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers over media reports suggesting that the government was reviving old tenders to purchase arms, Lekhak clarified that there was no such plan.

“Tenders issued three or four years ago will not be used. The government will not proceed with the procurement based on outdated contracts,” he told the meeting of the National Assembly’s Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee. “The purchase will be made as per the budget provision, under the law, and with full transparency.”

Lekhak said the arms purchase is essential for strengthening the security forces, particularly in light of rising criminal activities along the border and the need for preparedness during crises.

“Building infrastructure without providing weapons is like expecting a teacher to work without a chalk and duster. Just as teachers need their tools, the police need weapons to do their job effectively.”

The home minister also said only the minimum necessary weapons would be procured and that there was no intent to purchase unnecessary items. “There are situations, especially along the border, where confronting armed criminals is unavoidable,” he said. “If they come to know that our police are unarmed, it will seriously undermine our ability to enforce the law.”

Responding to lawmakers’ queries at the House committee meeting, Nepal Police Inspector General (IGP) Deepak Thapa and Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal both said the procurement process would follow due legal procedures.

Thapa dismissed claims that the purchase was being made using an old tender, saying there was no such instruction from the home ministry or its secretary.

“Procurement is not directed by verbal orders—it’s guided by the laws, rules, and regulations set by Parliament,” he said.

He said that the budget allocation listed in the government’s red book includes provisions for non-lethal weapons such as tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and barricading vehicles, all of which fall under the current procurement ceiling.

Thapa said Rs5 billion has been earmarked for building police infrastructure, and the weapons purchase was part of a prioritised list within the budget limit.

Echoing Thapa’s remarks, APF IGP Aryal said any procurement—including arms—must comply with existing laws.

“Even basic medicines have to be procured under public procurement laws. There is no chance of buying weapons outside legal procedures,” Aryal said. “There should be no doubt—the process will be entirely lawful and accountable.”