Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has said that the government will distribute land ownership certificates to landless squatters only after completing all legal procedures.
During a meeting with landless squatters at a holding center in Khartipati of Bhaktapur on Sunday, Rawal said issuing land ownership certificates without a proper legal basis could trigger disputes in the future. “Therefore, the government is working to ensure that the documents are legally secure and cannot be challenged by future generations,” she added.
Landless squatters staying at the Kirtipur Holding Centre were relocated to the Kharipati Holding Centre in Bhaktapur after the Kirtipur facility was inundated by floods on Saturday.
On Sunday, six cabinet ministers, led by Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung, visited the Kharipati Holding Centre and met with the displaced squatters. During the meeting, they expressed commitment to provide a long-term solution to their problems.
Along with Gurung and Rawal, Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta, Minister for Education and Sports Sashmit Pokharel, Minister for Youth Labor and Employment, Minister, Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security Sita Wadi were also in the team.
Addressing the squatters, Rawal said the government was not acting out of emotion but was laying a strong legal foundation before proceeding with the distribution of land ownership certificates. “We are not issuing land certificates based on anyone’s word or goodwill. The government is working to ensure that even future generations will not be able to question your ownership,” she said. “A result-oriented process takes time, but it will provide a sustainable solution.”
According to Rawal, the distribution of land ownership certificates began in Bardiya in early July. She said the campaign will be expanded to other districts across the country in the coming weeks.
She added that the government was giving high priority to addressing the needs of squatters staying at holding centers and would deploy dedicated teams to collect details of those who lack citizenship certificates or other required documents.
Home Minister Gurung said the government was committed to addressing issues related to the education, safety and daily lives of children living at the holding centres.
Similarly, Health Minister Mehta said the health ministry would provide immediate medical services if any health problems or emergencies arise in holding centers.
