After 47 years, govt opts to bring new land acquisition law

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 11: Prioritising legal and policy reforms, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has initiated steps in regard to a Bill to amend and consolidate the land acquisition law for the first time in 47 years.

After assuming office as the Home Minister, the Minister had already tabled Bills in the Federal Parliament to amend and revise laws related to the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and citizens. Now, the Home Minister is also pushing forward a Bill to update the Land Acquisition Act of 1977 to make it more relevant to the current times.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has made the draft Bill public to seek suggestions regarding amendments and consolidation of the land acquisition law.

“To collect suggestions on the Bill, we have sent it to all ministries, provincial governments, and district administration offices, and we have also published it on the Home Ministry’s website,” said Bharatmani Rijal, Joint Secretary and head of the Ministry's Legal Division, on Thursday.

“After gathering suggestions and obtaining approval from the Council of Ministers, we will present the Bill to the Federal Parliament,” he said. 

He said that the new law aims to simplify the process of land acquisition.

“The new law includes provisions to facilitate land acquisition for the federal, provincial, and local levels,” said Joint Secretary Rijal. “Proposals include allowing provinces and local governments to acquire private land with appropriate compensation.”

Similarly, the Bill also includes provisions aligned with the Environmental Protection Act in relation to land acquisition. 

He explained that the topic of land acquisition is being handled in a manner consistent with the federal structure.

“The bill covers various matters such as the right to acquire land, preliminary feasibility studies, social impact assessments, the land acquisition process, initial procedures, and land acquisition through negotiation,” Rijal added. 

“There are also proposals to implement procedures for land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement or rehabilitation programmes,” he said.