Land classification delays force government to amend regulations for fourth time

The government is preparing to amend the Land Use Regulations 2022, for the fourth time, in an attempt to ease restrictions and allow transactions to resume temporarily in areas where classification remains incomplete. Land plotting has been suspended in 333 local units as they have failed to classify land according to its designated use. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has already sent a draft amendment to the finance ministry for approval.

“Once the finance ministry gives its consent, we will forward it to the law ministry. It will come into effect after the Cabinet approves it,” said Ganesh Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration. The government has repeatedly amended the regulations to allow temporary land plotting in the local units that have not completed classification.

However, restrictions have been reimposed whenever the extended deadlines expire without the necessary work being completed.