What Is Land Reform?

The revolutionary land reform proposal has triggered many arguments. Naturally, there are people who are for and against it. I think there are several things that need to be cleared first before proceeding with reforms. What does actually land reform mean? Does it simply mean the distribution of land to the landless citizens of this country? Or does it also intend to increase the productivity of land? Again, how do you define land – is it a property like any other thing such as house, industry, cash in the bank or even car? Or, is it only a means for agriculture? If it is a property, then the argument that there should be a ceiling on other properties as well may not be denied. If land is meant only for agriculture then there are many other things, such as sustaining the whole agriculture sector, that need to be addressed first before we can have land reform in the true sense.

Saroj K. C.
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu