In a political landscape marred by corruption and abuse of power, it is encouraging to witness a leader who dares to take a stand against these unethical practices. Mayor Balen Shah of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has emerged as a beacon of hope with his recent announcement to ban the leasing of government land within the jurisdiction of KMC without prior permission. This timely and much-needed decision, which will not only protect public properties but also control the ever shrinking public space, deserves our support and applause. For far too long, ruling parties and their allies have exploited their positions to seize public land under the guise of leasing at scrap value. This alarming trend has resulted in the usurping of valuable resources and the erosion of public trust. Examples such as the lease of property belonging to former King Birendra and his family members put under Nepal Trust serve as a stark reminder of the extent to which this practice has permeated our society. It is high time that we put an end to this flagrant abuse of power.
Mayor Balen Shah's decision to enforce the provisions outlined in the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS, is a testament to his commitment to upholding the rule of law. Under Section 97, subsection 1 of the Act, the Council of Ministers can lease government land only with the recommendation of the local government concerned. By invoking these provisions, Mayor Shah is ensuring that the leasing of government land is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. Furthermore, Mayor Shah has drawn the attention to the Property Act, 2034 BS, and the Policy on Registration, Use, and Leasing of Government Land, which unequivocally state that the Council of Ministers can lease land only upon the recommendation of the local government concerned. These legal frameworks exist to safeguard the interests of the public and prevent the arbitrary transfer of government land to individuals or organizations for personal gains.
Law being introduced to tame ‘Balens’
Mayor Shah's concerns regarding the unjust leasing of government land within the KMC are well-founded. The lack of coordination and communication with the metropolis has allowed these illicit activities to thrive. His emphasis on adherence to existing laws sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated. Government land, reserved for public or governmental purposes, should remain under the ownership and control of the Government of Nepal, and any attempt to circumvent the required protocols is a direct violation of the law. It is heartening to see Mayor Shah's unwavering commitment to safeguarding government land. His call for all stakeholders to refrain from engaging in activities that contravene the prevailing laws is a call to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. By taking a firm stance, he is setting an example for other leaders to follow and reinforcing the importance of accountability in public office.
Mayor Shah’s decision carries significant implications for future development within the KMC area. His insistence on the metropolis' recommendation for house designs and the construction of physical structures on government land ensures that all projects undergo thorough scrutiny and adhere to proper approval processes. This not only safeguards the integrity of the land but also guarantees the safety and sustainability of any development activities. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to rally behind Mayor Balen Shah and support his efforts to curb corruption and protect public resources. His bold move to ban the leasing of government land without prior permission sets a precedent for other local governments to emulate. It is a step towards restoring public trust and ensuring that our land is utilized for the collective benefit of the people. Mayor Shah's decision to ban the leasing of government land within the jurisdiction of KMC without prior permission is a commendable move that deserves our wholehearted support. By upholding the rule of law, he is sending a clear message that no one is above the law and that public resources must be utilized for the greater good. Let us stand together in endorsing this bold move and working towards a more transparent and accountable governance system for the prosperity of our beloved nation.
