‘There Is No Room for Errors When Swiftly Managing Landless Issues’

The news summary has been compiled and prepared after editorial review. We do not take any partisan stance; regardless of which government comes into power, we are the body responsible for the strict implementation of established policies and regulations. The rule of law should not depend on individual mindsets. Currently, the certification process is ongoing. Forcing certification without completing the data collection and verification processes in squatter settlements is legally unacceptable. The government has decided to complete the digital certification of landless individuals within 60 days and to provide land to actual squatters within 1000 days. The government led by Balendra Shah began the eviction from squatter settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara within a month and initiated data collection and certification.

Coordination between the Land Problem Solving Commission, formed to distribute land to landless Dalits and squatters and to manage unplanned settlements, and the federal government appears weak. Both parties seem to prioritize their own interests over the issues confronting more than 1.2 million landless individuals. In an interview regarding the government’s recent steps and land issues, Hari Prasad Rizal, Chairperson of the Land Commission, stated, “The Government of Nepal and the state must operate in accordance with the constitution and the law. We work accordingly.”

He emphasized the necessity for the government to inform the public about legal procedures and methods. He added, “Currently, the government’s work does not align with legal processes, which is why a statement was issued calling such actions inconsistent and incorrect.” If there is a tendency for the government to remove or force the resignation of the Commission, why not cooperate instead? This is a democratic country where all actions must conform only to the constitution and the law.

Why is it challenging to resolve the problems of the landless quickly? Land-related issues are extremely sensitive, and rushing can lead to serious mistakes. Strict certification is necessary to ensure that benefits do not go to the wrong people. The government must act only in a just and constitutional manner. In conclusion, he said, “We must all follow the rules and cooperate without putting personal interests first.”