Minister Rawal says: Government will provide land ownership certificates to all squatters, not just assurances
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation **Pratibha Rawal** has stated that the current government is preparing to distribute land ownership certificates (lalpurja) to resolve the squatter problem permanently. During a meeting with squatters in Kanakai Municipality, she clarified that this is a commitment to action, not merely an assurance.
Kathmandu — Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Pratibha Rawal has said that the current government is preparing to distribute land ownership certificates (lalpurja) to resolve the squatter problem once and for all. She made this commitment during a direct meeting with squatters and unorganized settlers of Kanakai Municipality in Surunga today.
‘You may feel that whoever comes just gives assurances and leaves,’ she said, addressing the squatter families. ‘Rest assured. This government will provide land ownership certificates, not just assurances.’
With Shravan Kumar Pokharel, the Chief District Officer, and Rajendra Pokharel, the Mayor of Kanakai Municipality, as witnesses, she assured that land ownership certificates would be distributed to squatters and unorganized settlers in the Kanakai municipal area within a short time.
‘The work has already progressed. Discussions have been held on how to accelerate it further. There will be no more excuses like “this didn’t happen, that didn’t happen,”’ she said.
Laxmi Oli, ward chair of Kanakai Municipality-6, informed that although 500 families have been living here since 2019 BS (1962 AD), they have not received land ownership certificates to date.
Minister Rawal met with the chief administrative officers of all 15 municipalities in the district at the District Administration Office and instructed them to work at a rapid pace to distribute land ownership certificates to squatters. She also met with landless and unorganized settlers of Damak Municipality-8 and listened to their grievances. Additionally, she met separately with cooperative victims in Damak and committed to ensuring the return of their savings.