The government is introducing new measures to address landlessness in the country. Law Minister Sobita Gautam announced that these ordinances will allow eligible families to obtain land ownership through a formal process.
On October 13, President Ram Chandra Paudel enacted ordinances that amend existing land and forest laws. These changes aim to help landless Dalits, squatters, and those without land agreements resolve their ownership issues.
Gautam noted that the new measures will help identify genuine landless families, correct land records, and allocate land to eligible individuals legally.
Despite previous government commitments and the establishment of several commissions, many families have been denied ownership of land they have occupied for decades.
Key Provisions for Land Distribution
The new provisions state that land occupied and cultivated before February 11, 2010, can be remapped to its rightful owners.
Land recorded as forestland but lacking trees can be allocated to landless individuals.
Initially, this land will be registered under the Government of Nepal. Afterward, land resolution committees will verify applicants’ eligibility based on local government recommendations before distributing the land.
These provisions create a formal process for families to apply for the land they have been cultivating, rather than allowing it to be given to anyone who approaches the authorities.
Not everyone occupying government, private, or forest land will automatically gain ownership.
Eligible families must meet specific criteria to apply for land distribution. If approved, applicants will need to pay the set rates for the land.
Gautam explained that landless families seeking agricultural land will pay 7% of its minimum value, while those applying for residential land will pay 12%.
Additionally, the government can purchase land for eligible citizens if no land is available for distribution.
Thus, the new provisions aim to provide a clear method for eligible families to apply for land ownership.
Relocating Landless Families from High Risk Areas
The government will also ensure the relocation of landless families living in high-risk areas, such as riverbanks and road corridors, to safer locations.
Task forces dedicated to resolving land disputes will continue their work until all issues are addressed.
Gautam mentioned that the new provisions also aim to resolve disputes over forest land, land records, and distribution issues between landowners and landless families, as well as those established by past commissions.
With these measures, the government is committed to resolving land issues and relocating families from vulnerable areas to secure locations.
Prohibiting Distribution of Government Land
Gautam further stated that the new provisions prevent the distribution of government, public, and forest lands.
Families occupying government and public lands after February 11, 2010, cannot be classified as landless squatters simply based on their occupation.
The provisions emphasize that actual forest areas, national parks, and other protected government properties will remain safeguarded for environmental conservation.
The government asserts that both land distribution to landless families and the protection of public properties must be regulated to prevent mismanagement of national resources.
Consequently, the new provisions ensure that no one will receive ownership of government land.
Government authorities will verify all land distribution applications and ensure compliance with the ordinance.
Enhancing Land Related Services
The new provisions will also guarantee access to land related services, such as ownership registration, transfer of ownership, correction of land records, and removal of land use restrictions at local levels.
These measures aim to simplify the process for individuals applying for land ownership and usage.
Gautam added that the new provisions clarify that the use of materials from riverbeds in buffer zones will be regulated.
Businesses can operate on private land, provided they conduct a detailed environmental impact assessment and obtain necessary approvals.
Application Verification and Local Government Coordination
The ordinances are designed to ensure that the process of distributing land to landless families is efficient.
However, local government coordination is essential for verifying applications and formalizing the distribution process.
Gautam emphasized that the new provisions aim to resolve a long standing issue through a legal framework.
The government must now take steps to enable all landless families to apply for land ownership while ensuring that public, private, and forest lands are protected from misuse.
The new provisions will facilitate land ownership for landless families through a formal process.