KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress MP NP Saud has called on the government to provide immediate compensation to the freed Kamaiya families affected by the expansion of the Mahakali Irrigation Project III in Kanchanpur.
During Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, MP Saud, representing Kanchanpur-2, highlighted the plight of the freed Kamaiya families living in Shuklaphanta Municipality-8 and 9.
He stressed that while some farmers have received compensation for the acquired land, many freed Kamaiyas have been left homeless again due to delays in the compensation process.
MP Saud explained that the compensation process stalled because the Ministry of Land Reforms has not yet sent the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Irrigation. As a result, many affected families have been unable to receive their compensation.
“The land of some farmers has been acquired during the expansion of the Mahakali Irrigation Project III. Among the acquired lands, there is also land provided to freed Kamaiyas. The compensation has been stopped because the Ministry of Land Reforms has not sent a letter to the Ministry of Irrigation,” Saud said.
He also pointed out that affected farmers filed a petition with the District Administration Office seeking an increase in the compensation amount, citing it as inadequate.
Despite their plea for a reassessment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, no action has been taken yet.
Additionally, Saud noted that farmers in Krishnapur Municipality-1 and 4 have also been affected by the project. He urged the government to reconsider and increase the compensation amounts for the affected farmers in these areas as well.
“Farmers of Krishnapur Municipality-1 and 4 have also been affected by the Mahakali Irrigation Project III. I request the government through this esteemed house to reconsider and increase the compensation given to the farmers there and to provide immediate compensation to the freed Kamaiyas of Shuklaphanta,” he said.
The Kamaiya system was a form of bonded labor prevalent in western Nepal. Although it was abolished in 2000, many freed Kamaiyas still face challenges in securing land and sustainable livelihoods. The delay in compensation for land acquired for development projects has further exacerbated their hardships.
MP Saud’s demand underscores the urgent need for effective coordination among government ministries to ensure timely compensation and support for the affected communities.
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