PM Oli Engages with Land Commission to Review Progress on Settler Identification
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a detailed discussion with officials from the Land Issue Resolving Commission (LIRC) at his official residence in Baluwatar to assess the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address the country’s longstanding landlessness problem.
During the meeting, LIRC officials informed the Prime Minister that the Commission has been actively coordinating with federal, provincial, and local governments to identify landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers. Their current work involves gathering and verifying data, conducting land surveys, settling disputes, registering land, and distributing ownership certificates.
Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balram Adhikari was also present at the meeting. LIRC Chairperson Hari Prasad Rijal provided insight into the criteria used to determine eligibility. He explained that landless and squatter individuals are those who have not received any land from the government and have lived in their current settlements for at least ten years. Unmanaged settlers, meanwhile, must have lived and cultivated on government, public, or barren land for a similar period to qualify for support.
Commission officials also pointed out that the passage of a proposed bill amending several land-related laws would significantly support their mandate. They noted that once enacted, the legislation would streamline legal procedures and provide a stronger framework for their work.
Prime Minister Oli expressed confidence in the timely approval of the bill currently under parliamentary consideration. He directed the Commission to continue its work in an organized and accelerated manner to ensure timely identification and support of landless populations across the country.
The Land Issue Resolving Commission was formed on October 30 with the mandate to resolve land ownership issues and address settlement problems faced by marginalized communities, particularly landless and disadvantaged groups.
