Solving Sukumbasi Problem in Nepal | Proposal to Balen Government

 For decades, the issue of Sukumbasi, or landless families, has remained one of Nepal’s most persistent social challenges. Many have spent their lives in informal settlements without legal ownership, facing constant uncertainty and limited access to basic services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The problem is not just economic; it is deeply tied to dignity, stability, and the ability to build a future. Despite multiple attempts in the past, solutions have often fallen short due to lack of transparency, political interference, and poor planning. A more structured and accountable approach is urgently needed.

The proposed system begins with a simple and accessible step. Applicants would submit an online application using their National ID number. This removes the need for complex paperwork and reduces the influence of middlemen. By digitizing the entry point, the process becomes more inclusive and easier to manage, especially for people who have long been excluded from formal systems.

Once the application is submitted, it moves into a verification phase handled by the National Land Bureau. This step is critical because it directly addresses one of the biggest flaws in previous programs: misuse by individuals who already own land. The system checks not only the applicant’s property status but also that of their parents across the country. This ensures that only genuinely landless families qualify, making the process fairer and more credible.

After verification, each application goes through a structured review process. There are three possible outcomes. If everything is in order, the application is approved and moves forward. If there are errors or missing details, the applicant is asked to resubmit, allowing them to correct mistakes without being excluded. If property ownership is detected, the application is rejected, though an appeal option remains available to ensure fairness. This balance between strict verification and the opportunity to appeal helps maintain both integrity and trust in the system.

Approved applicants are then assigned to a state based on their permanent residency and placed into an approved pool. This step ensures organized distribution rather than arbitrary selection. Instead of random or politically influenced allocation, the process remains transparent and structured, giving applicants a clear understanding of where they stand.

The land allocation itself is designed to promote long-term development rather than short-term fixes. The plan includes seven state-wise settlement zones located near urban areas but on currently undeveloped land. These zones are not just plots of land but the foundation for new, planned communities. Allocation within these zones is done through a lottery system, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all approved applicants.

What makes this model particularly impactful is its focus on community participation. Before receiving full ownership, beneficiaries contribute to the development of their settlement areas. This includes helping build essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities. By involving people directly in the construction of their communities, the system fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and collective progress. It shifts the mindset from simply receiving land to actively building a future.

Ownership is granted based on participation. Those who complete the required volunteer contribution receive their land ownership certificate, securing their place in the new settlement. For those who have not yet fulfilled the requirement, ownership is temporarily held back until they complete their contribution. This approach encourages engagement while still allowing flexibility.

To ensure the sustainability of the program, clear rules govern land ownership. Beneficiaries are not allowed to sell the land, preventing the cycle of distress sales that often pushes families back into landlessness. Additionally, if a family becomes financially stable or has no heirs, the land is returned to the government, making it available for future Sukumbasi families in need.

This model goes beyond addressing landlessness; it creates a pathway for broader national development. The establishment of seven planned settlement zones can lead to the growth of new urban centers, generating employment opportunities during both construction and long-term economic activity. By organizing settlements near cities, it also encourages industrial growth and private investment, creating a ripple effect across the economy.

The Sukumbasi issue has always been about more than just land. It is about giving people a stable foundation on which they can build their lives. A system that is transparent, fair, and community-driven has the potential to finally address this long-standing challenge in a meaningful way. With the right implementation, it could transform not only individual lives but also the future of urban development in Nepal.