KATHMANDU, MAY 4
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government is working towards a systematic, transparent and long-term solution to address the issue of landless citizens by identifying their actual status.
In a message posted on social media, the Prime Minister said arrangements would be made for the safe and organised relocation of people living in vulnerable and high-risk areas. Decisions regarding other landless citizens will be taken based on verified data and recommendations from concerned authorities.
The Prime Minister said the government's attention has been drawn to various public comments and interpretations regarding the ongoing process to manage settlements on encroached riverbanks and public land in the Kathmandu Valley. He stated that attempts to create fear and confusion among landless and informal settlers have been taken seriously.
He informed that certain provisions of the Land Act, 2021 BS, which were hindering long-term solutions, have been repealed through an ordinance. Following this, the government has begun collecting digital records of genuine landless citizens, verifying details, and preparing systematic documentation.
Clarifying the government's intent, the Prime Minister said the measures are not aimed at evicting citizens but at ensuring the constitutional right to housing and finding a permanent solution to the issue. He urged the public not to be misled by rumours or unverified information.
The government, he added, remains committed to ensuring safe, dignified and permanent housing for all landless citizens and assured that no one would be left homeless.