September 16: The government has formed a new commission to resolve the problems of landless squatters.

The recent cabinet meeting decided to form the National Land Commission headed by Keshav Niraula, former central chairman of the Nepal Teachers Association affiliated to the Nepali Congress. The government has appointed Mahendra Khadka as the vice-chairman of the commission.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed chairman Niraula and vice chair Khadka amid a function at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar on Wednesday.

Speaking after the oath-taking ceremony, Chairman Niraula said that the commission will try to resolve the problems of squatters. He said that his team would try to overcome the squatters’ problems. Squatters have been adding to the problems in the country for a long time.

"The commission has been formed for the welfare of the underprivileged, landless and disorganized dwellers. The Government of Nepal has appointed me as the Chairman for the Commission,” said Niraula.

The previous government led by UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli had formed the Land Problem Solving Commission under the chairmanship of UML leader Devi Gyawali in April 2020. The Deuba government had dissolved the commission at the beginning of its tenure.

The current government had to face harsh criticism for dissolving the commission at a time when it was carrying out its works by forming committees in all 77 districts. Meanwhile, the main opposition UML had accused the government of doing injustice to the landless by dissolving the erstwhile commission. The issue is still sub judice at the Supreme Court.