Nepal Government Pledges to Honour Past Guthi Agreements and Protect Farmers’ Rights
Kathmandu: Nepal’s Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal has pledged that the government will honour all agreements previously reached by successive governments concerning Guthi land, while working to protect farmers’ rights and prevent encroachment.
Responding to oral questions in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister Rawal said the government is serious about safeguarding the rights of farmers cultivating Guthi land. She also stressed that existing law already provides legal protection for the rights of tenant farmers.
Farmers’ Rights to Guthi Land Protected by Law
Rawal pointed to Sections 27 and 30 of the Guthi Corporation Act, 2033 (1976), which provide specific provisions concerning tenants’ rights over Guthi land, including provisions allowing such rights to be transferred or sold.
The minister also said the legal basis for constructing houses or other structures on Guthi-administered land remains in place with the approval of the Guthi institution.
Citing Section 35(3) of the Act, she said the law does not prohibit tenants from constructing houses or sheds after obtaining the required approval.
She urged farmers not to remain uncertain about their rights, noting that the law also contains provisions concerning the transfer and mortgaging of tenancy rights.
Government Promises Action on Swargadwari Guthi Dispute
Addressing concerns faced by farmers associated with Swargadwari Guthi, Rawal acknowledged that dissatisfaction has grown because a Supreme Court order issued in 2005 (2062 BS) and agreements reached with previous governments have not been fully implemented.
She said the failure to implement earlier agreements had contributed to farmers returning to the streets to demand their rights.
According to the minister, a draft bill is currently being prepared to address the concerns raised by lawmakers and Guthi farmers.
New Bill Expected to Offer Long-Term Legal Solution
Rawal said the government plans to table the proposed legislation in Parliament soon. Further discussions on the bill, she said, will aim to provide a permanent legal solution to longstanding problems faced by Guthi farmers.
