Landless in Butwal still waiting as Lalpurja promises return each election
Summary
Thousands of families in Butwal and nearby municipalities remain without land ownership certificates despite repeated election promises by candidates to provide them. The issue of landlessness and irregular settlement is widespread in Rupandehi district, with significant government expenditure failing to resolve the longstanding problem.
Key Points
- In Butwal, approximately 16,892 families lack land ownership certificates, with similar issues across Rupandehi municipalities.
- Rupandehi ranks second nationwide in the number of landless people, squatters, and unplanned settlers, with 68,471 families counted as unplanned settlers.
- Political candidates frequently promise land ownership certificates during elections, but distribution never materializes, making it an electoral issue rather than a resolved problem.
- Significant government funds have been spent on commissions and administrative efforts, yet survey documents were destroyed in a recent fire, hindering progress.
