Government begins verification of squatters through land records information management system

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has initiated the verification of actual squatters through the Land Records Information Management System.

Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry, Ganesh Prasad Bhatta, said the system is being used to determine whether individuals claiming to be squatters own land anywhere in the country according to government records. He stated that the verification process is being conducted in a transparent, effective, and economical manner through policies, rules, procedures, and electronic systems.

“Currently, verification of squatters within the Kathmandu Valley is underway as directed by the Ministry of Urban Development. Following this, the identification of squatters across the country will be carried out gradually,” said Spokesperson Bhatta. “Once actual squatters are verified, it will be easier to manage them.”

The ministry oversees 110 land revenue offices and 21 land reform and land revenue offices.

It has also been reported that the ministry has written to all 753 local levels, requesting details on staff, technical manpower, professional skills, technology, and other resources required to deliver land-related services at the local level. Based on priority, the ministry plans to conduct training, coaching, and skill development programs for local units and gradually transfer responsibilities to them.

Spokesperson Bhatta said the ministry will provide necessary support and coordination if local levels are able to manage the required personnel. He expressed confidence that once local governments take responsibility for land administration, geographical verification will be facilitated and services will be delivered more efficiently to the public.