Applications for Land Reach 1.1 Million at National Land Commission

The number of applications registered at the National Land Commission from the 'landless Dalit', 'landless squatters', and 'unorganized settlers' seeking land has reached 1.1 million. The Commission stated that among those demanding land, there are 300,000 landless Dalits and landless squatters, and 800,000 unorganized settlers.

Commission expert member Tek Bahadur Shah informed that coordination and cooperation are being established with local levels for data collection through a single-window system. He mentioned that verification will be done in coordination with the district committees under the Commission, relevant municipalities, and ward levels. He added that data collection has begun as the management of landless squatters is the responsibility of the state.

Expert member Shah further stated that after local levels properly complete the study and criteria process while recommending landless squatters and unorganized settlers, the land ownership records will be tested at the Land Revenue Office. He informed that landless squatters who complete these processes will be recommended by the district committees under the Commission to the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation for land ownership certificates (Lalpurja).

The Commission has stated that it is working in coordination with local levels for the verification of landless squatter and unorganized settler families who have registered applications. "When managing them, settlements encroaching on forests, public spaces, cultural heritage sites, etc., will not be provided land. 'Landless squatter' is understood as families across the country who do not own any land and individuals and their dependent family members who are unable to manage land through their income, resources, or efforts," said expert member Shah.

Expert member Shah informed that 'unorganized settlers' are defined as families who own land somewhere in the country but have been residing elsewhere for decades, and whose land is not registered in their name. In other words, individuals and their dependent family members who have been cultivating and residing with built structures for at least 10 years fall into this category. Ownership certificates will be distributed to them upon payment of the prescribed revenue.

'Landless Dalit' refers to landless squatters from communities listed as Dalit by the National Dalit Commission. The Commission has stated that 'landless Dalits' will be prioritized during the management of squatters. The Commission estimates that the total number will increase by the time its work is completed.