Kathmandu— Nepal’s Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, has pledged government support to provide land ownership titles to landless squatters across the country, particularly focusing on those in the Kanchanpur district. During meetings with affected citizens in Krishnapur Municipality and other municipalities within Kanchanpur today, Minister Rawal stated that legal improvements have been made to facilitate the process and that District Land Committees will soon begin issuing titles. The government views addressing the needs of landless squatters as a priority, aiming to resolve longstanding issues through legislative amendments.

Legal Framework for Land Titles

Minister Rawal explained that improvements have been made to existing laws to address the challenges faced by landless squatters and enable the distribution of land ownership titles. She stated that the District Land Committee would begin work “as soon as possible” to process applications and issue the necessary documentation. The current legal framework, she acknowledged, has proven insufficient in resolving the issues facing squatters nationwide, necessitating amendments to ensure effective solutions.

Government Prioritizes Squatter Issues

The minister emphasized that addressing the concerns of landless citizens is a key priority for the government. She assured those she met with that they “can be assured that the government will give you land deeds,” and urged them to disregard rumors circulating about the process. Rawal’s visit included interactions with squatters in Dodhara-Chandani Municipality, Bhimdatta, Bedkot, Shuklaphanta, and Krishnapur Municipality, demonstrating a broad effort to address the issue across Kanchanpur district.

Minister Rawal's assurances signal continued government efforts to resolve land ownership issues for vulnerable populations, with District Land Committees expected to initiate title distribution in the near future.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.