Nearly 60,000 Landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and Informal Settlers in Kanchanpur

An AI-generated image depicting informal settlements. April 9, Kathmandu.

In Kanchanpur, there are nearly 60,000 landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. According to data from the Land Problem Resolution Commission, 58,635 people have been certified as landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers across nine municipalities in Kanchanpur. Netra Prakash Pant, the district chairman of the now-dissolved commission, stated that out of 74,604 applications received, 58,635 individuals have been verified. Among those certified, there are 2,729 landless Dalits, 2,400 landless Sukumbasis, and 53,506 informal settlers.

According to Pant, Krishna Pur Municipality recorded the highest number of applications with 17,693, while Shuklaphanta Municipality received applications from 11,863 landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. Dodhara-Chandani Municipality had the fewest applications, with 3,997 registered cases. The outgoing chairman of the commission noted that Laljhadi Rural Municipality has the lowest number of landless Dalits and Sukumbasis, with 22 landless Dalits and 90 landless Sukumbasis among the applicants. Additionally, 4,469 informal settlers lodged applications there. Conversely, Punarbas Municipality saw the most applications from landless Dalits and Sukumbasis, with 771 landless Dalits and 867 Sukumbasis applying for land through the commission. The municipality is also home to 6,760 informal settlers.

• Bhimdatta Municipality: 992 landless Dalits, 991 landless Sukumbasis, 6,283 informal settlers, total 8,196
• Bedkot Municipality: 308 landless Dalits, 205 landless Sukumbasis, 9,021 informal settlers, total 9,534
• Krishnapur Municipality: 105 landless Dalits, 1,110 landless Sukumbasis, 16,478 informal settlers, total 17,693
• Shuklaphanta Municipality: 193 landless Dalits, 154 landless Sukumbasis, 11,489 informal settlers, total 11,836
• Dodhara Chandani Municipality: 176 landless Dalits, 260 landless Sukumbasis, 3,561 informal settlers, total 3,997
• Belauri Municipality: 118 landless Dalits, 188 landless Sukumbasis, 5,300 informal settlers, total 5,606
• Punarbas Municipality: 771 landless Dalits, 875 landless Sukumbasis, 6,760 informal settlers, total 8,406
• Beladandi Rural Municipality: 157 landless Dalits, 195 landless Sukumbasis, 4,403 informal settlers, total 4,755
• Laljhadi Rural Municipality: 22 landless Dalits, 90 landless Sukumbasis, 4,469 informal settlers, total 4,581
• Total: 2,772 landless Dalits, 4,068 landless Sukumbasis, 67,764 informal settlers, total 74,604

Pant explained that ambiguities in land classification and transfer, along with legal complexities regarding forest areas, have posed policy and legal challenges in issuing land ownership certificates to landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. He cited the lack of coordination among multiple agencies, complex procedures, and time consumption as significant administrative hurdles. He emphasized that establishing a commission structure insulated from political changes, with fixed terms and continuity, can facilitate effective resolution of land-related problems.

He identified that the inability to provide land to landless Dalits and Sukumbasis and to manage informal settlers in Kanchanpur stems not only from resource shortages but also from inactivity among members and secretaries, lack of administrative and technical collaboration, and policy and legal entanglements. “Without a responsible staffing system, clear policies, and an effective implementation mechanism, a long-term solution to land issues remains unattainable,” Pant remarked. “If these issues are addressed, long-term resolution is possible.”

During his 15-month tenure, Pant reported that the commission managed to function effectively for approximately 45 days, through which 96 land ownership papers, 496 certificates, and surveying tasks were completed. “We completed identification and certification in seven local units,” he added, “but due to arson incidents on September 8-9, work had to be restarted in two remaining units. Most wards had completed their work, while some were still ongoing.”

Pant expressed confidence that with a stable and obstruction-free environment, the commission can distribute 5,000 to 7,000 land ownership papers monthly. “However, the continuous disturbances since September 8 have adversely impacted this process, as everyone is aware,” he concluded.