At least 966 earthquake-affected families from Bhumlutar and Phalante VDCs in Kavre could not get the housing reconstruction aid as they were unable to furnish land titles to become eligible for the aid distributed by the National Reconstruction Authority.

These families have been living without land deeds for the past 40 years, and the NRA measures the eligibility of the aid recipients based on land ownership papers, said Local Development Officer Tekraj Niraula. “They were included on the aid list but were disqualified during the aid distribution process,” he said. 

Land survey officer Ram Hari Timalsina said the people in Bhumlutar and Phalante did not have land ownership papers because of a dispute that emerged when the government land surveyors visited the VDCs to survey the land for the first time. The dispute was never resolved. 

“For the people of Bhumlutar and Phalante to be able to receive the housing reconstruction aid, the land guidelines have to be revised,” said Timalsina.  

Dhurba Guada, of the NRA District Coordination Committee, however, said that the people in Bhumlutar and Phalante could apply for aid if the Land Revenue Office was to issue them recommendation letters.

“All we need is a proof that one holds legal ownership of the property where he intends to rebuild. The NRA guidelines could be revised accordingly,” he said.

NRA to provide aid to 1,008 households

The NRA has decided to provide housing reconstruction aid to  1,008 quake-affected families in Ramechhap. The decision was made after going through the complaints filed by the earthquake survivors in 42 VDCs of the district. One NRA official said out of 10,060 complaints screened by the Complaint Hearing Committee, 1,008 had sufficient ground to claim for the aid and they have been approved.  (PR)