Three years ago the Kamaiyas – virtual slaves in Nepali society - were collectively freed from bonded labor. At the time they were also promised adequate housing by the government, and nearly 600 Kamaiyas were given land ownership certificates. But many Kamaiyas have run into problems claiming the land promised to them, as others are found to occupy the plots allocated to them or they simply haven’t been able to identify their claims. Those who have been lucky enough to get title to their land find it unsuitable for farming or construction of a home. Kamaiyas are allotted 3000 cubic feet of timber to build a house – they say 7000 cubic feet is needed.
The Minister for Land Reform and Management has said the government is committed to solving the problems. He has apparently instructed Land Reform officers and Forest officers to make the Kamaiyas’ problems their main priority.
