Land Problem Resolution Commission to issue 100K land certificates

KATHMANDU: Hari Prasad Rijal, Chair of the Land Problem Resolution Commission, has announced the commission’s plan to distribute 100,000 land ownership certificates (lalpurja) to landless Dalits and squatters within the next year.

Speaking at a meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee under the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Rijal outlined the commission’s strategic plan.

He emphasized that rather than setting a uniform three-year term for the commission in all districts, the timeline would be determined based on applications received.

The commission aims to focus on districts and municipalities, ensuring 100,000 certificates are distributed within the upcoming year.

Chair Rijal highlighted that the commission has prioritized the distribution of land certificates to landless Dalits and squatters.

He informed the committee that efforts are underway to distribute certificates within three months to those whose verification has been completed.

According to Rijal, data collection has identified 1,096,000 individuals, including landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers, eligible for land allocation. He further stated that the commission plans to open the data collection process one last time before closing it permanently.

Rijal also mentioned that the identification and verification process for landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers would proceed step by step.

Once completed, the commission will officially declare the conclusion of these processes in the respective municipal wards.

This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the longstanding landlessness issues in Nepal and providing formal ownership to marginalized communities.