Summary: The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to advise the government not to deploy bulldozers in unorganized settlements except for landless squatters. The government is expected to complete the data collection and verification of landless Dalits, squatters, and unplanned settlers by 13 Jestha. With the dissolution of the Land Problem Resolution Commission and the pending formation of a new task force, the government’s efforts to resolve landlessness issues have been delayed. (April 22, Kathmandu)
During the bulldozer operation last Saturday in squatter settlements such as Balaju and Swayambhu, the RSP’s secretariat meeting at its central office in Banasthali decided to recommend the government halt bulldozer activities in all settlements except those inhabited by landless squatters living in vulnerable conditions. The party’s resolution emphasized, “The government should promptly establish an authority to address the widespread unplanned settlements and prioritize the resolution of genuine landlessness issues. We urge avoiding actions that may cause distress and focus on securing housing for those forced to live in unsafe conditions.”
This directive aligns with point number 82 in the RSP’s manifesto. The party suggests that, aside from cases involving landless squatters, no action should be taken until the authority’s report is submitted. The RSP has also resolved to advise local governments conducting bulldozer drives against encroached structures to follow this same guidance. “Similarly, the party will urge local governments, when exercising their jurisdiction by demolishing structures, to manage the situation accordingly,” the decision states.
Following the displacement of over 10,000 residents from settlements including Thapathali, Manohara, Shantinagar (Gairigaun), Banshighat, Shankhamul, and Balkhu, the ruling party’s sudden change in stance raises questions. “There are various reasons for this, the foremost being a policy to avoid alienating voters,” a RSP secretariat member explained. Parliamentary representatives of RSP anticipate that implementation of this decision would satisfy the urban middle class.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), daily incomes ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 3,000 (approximately 2 to 20 USD) classify individuals as middle class. In urban areas like Kathmandu, monthly incomes between NPR 40,000 and NPR 100,000 also define this group. Multiple studies show that the middle class can afford private healthcare, send children to boarding schools, and live in owned or secure rented housing. Surveys by Nepal Living Standards, Tribhuvan University, the World Bank, and ADB estimate the middle class comprises between 20% and 35% of Nepal’s population.
Experts observe that a significant portion of the middle class resides on government land (aillani and partti) without formal certificates. Even if land is officially recorded as forest, those who have settled long-term and constructed homes are classified under the Land Act as “unplanned settlers.” Across Nepal, the number of unplanned settlements is roughly three times higher than that of landless Dalits and squatters. According to the latest data from the Land Problem Resolution Commission, there are 930,790 unplanned settler families nationwide. The National Census 2078 estimates an average household size of 4.37 persons, placing the total population in unplanned settlements at over four million people.
This figure excludes landless Dalits and squatters. Section 52(g) of the Land Act stipulates that those residing in unplanned settlements for over 10 years (considered 16 years under the 2076 amendment) are eligible to pay a set amount to acquire allocated land. The RSP’s decision appears geared to benefit those who have lived on aillani, partti, or government-recorded land for at least 16 years. However, secretariat members say the decision results from multiple factors.
Concerns such as some homes being located on aillani or partti land, a higher than expected number of genuine landless individuals, and intense criticism have led the party to adopt a cautious “wait and see” approach. An anonymous member noted, “Most may be illegal settlers, but 5–7% are real squatters who could have been housed in hotels temporarily; however, the reality turned out differently.” Protests have also occurred in Bardiya, Dang, Rupandehi, Jhapa, and other locations.
Political science professor Krishna Khanal suggested that RSP’s retreat came in response to the public backlash following settlements’ clearance campaigns. He said, “The party seems fearful after seeing the response to the government’s bulldozer operations.” While removing illegal settlements is not disputed, criticism focuses on the failure to provide alternative housing for the displaced. Analyst Shyam Shrestha remarked, “Houses have been demolished without alternative plans. Although the RSP-led government is taking action, the approach backfired, forcing them to reverse course.”
The government had pledged to distribute land ownership certificates to genuine landless squatters within 1,000 days and promised to complete data collection and verification within 60 days. Despite dissolving the Land Problem Resolution Commission through the Nepal Act amendments, the government must complete verification for landless Dalits, squatters, and unplanned settlers by 13 Jestha. With just three weeks remaining and no new commission formed—only plans to set up a task force or committee—the government seems to be forced to shift into reverse, according to analysts. Analyst Mumarama Khanal said the government’s superficial attempt to solve land issues has placed it on the defensive. “The squatters’ problems are not uniform; the RSP tried to highlight this but ended up underestimated,” she concluded.
