KATHMANDU: The government has introduced a new and stricter legal procedure to address the issues of landless Dalits, landless squatters, and unmanaged settlers.
The “Procedure Relating to Collection of Records of Landless Dalits, Landless Squatters and Unmanaged Settlers” approved by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration on June 16 has come into effect.
The procedure, formulated under Section 61 (A) of the Land Act, aims to make the data collection and verification process more transparent, technology-driven, and tightly regulated than in previous attempts.
Clear cut-off date for long-term occupation
The new framework has clearly defined the term “unmanaged settlers.” It includes individuals who have built houses or huts and have been residing or cultivating land on government, public, or forest-designated land.
The procedure specifies that “long-term occupation” will only be considered valid if the settlement existed before February 11, 2010.
Strict verification and financial disclosure required
To prevent misuse seen in past processes, the government has introduced strict documentation requirements. Applicants must now submit clear evidence of their economic status and sources of income.
Required documents include poverty identity cards, bank statements if accounts exist, share trading records if applicable, vehicle ownership details, PAN/VAT registration, and employment or business documents.
Unmanaged settlers must also disclose ownership of any other land elsewhere along with land ownership certificates and property tax valuation documents submitted to local authorities.
The procedure also mandates that applicants be informed in advance that providing false information will result in strict punishment under Section 52 (D) of the Land-related Act.
35-day public notice and digital receipt system
The Land Problem Resolution Committee will publish a national notice in a daily newspaper, allowing a 35-day window for record collection.
Once applications are submitted, details will be entered into a computer system and applicants will immediately receive a system-generated receipt.
Coordination committees with political representation
To ensure fair implementation, a “Land Problem Facilitation Committee” will be formed at local levels, chaired by the head or mayor of the local unit and coordinated by the deputy head or deputy mayor.
Representatives of all nationally recognized political parties active in the local level will also be included as members. Similar committees will also be formed at ward level under the leadership of ward chairs.
Verification, complaints, and rejection of false claims
After data entry, details will be publicly displayed at ward offices for verification. Complaints or objections received during this period will be investigated by the ward-level facilitation committee.
If any claim is found to be false, the application will be automatically rejected. Lists of applicants whose claims are not verified will also be made public.
Use of drones and satellite technology
The government will use modern technology including geo-referenced satellite imagery, drones, and LiDAR systems to carry out land measurement and mapping.
For areas with clear physical boundaries, total station equipment will be used where necessary. In forest-adjacent areas, land measurement must be conducted in the presence of an authorized representative from the Division Forest Office.
The government has stated that the new procedure aims to complete the long-standing landless and settlement regularisation process in a faster, more systematic, and dispute-free manner.
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