Bill to Amend Land-Related Acts Approved by National Assembly

The National Assembly has approved by majority the proposal to consider the “Bill to Amend Certain Nepal Land-Related Acts, 2082,” which was earlier received with a message from the House of Representatives.

Presenting the bill, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari assured that land management would be carried out in a fair and transparent manner. He stated that all work would go through an all-party committee at each ward and municipality, ensuring representation of all active political parties, so no malpractice would take place. He further pledged that landless squatters who have earned land but have no property in their names will be provided land for settlement, and those living in risky areas will be relocated to safer places.

During the discussion, lawmakers raised concerns about attempts to convert land designated for agriculture and enterprises into plots, the rights of the landless and squatters, and the safety of informal settlers. They also demanded clarity on suspicions that the bill could benefit land mafias and brokers. Some members stressed that the bill could lead to the misuse of government, public, and Guthi (trust) land and therefore should be revised.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Legislative Management Committee, Tulsakumari Dahal, presented the committee’s report on the “Federal Civil Service Bill, 2080.” She informed the assembly that the bill includes a provision barring civil servants from taking new appointments elsewhere for two years after retirement.