Re: "The government's great land grab" by Kabindra Pradhan (#61) In Nepal's feudal past, the major basis of revenue for the state was land. The state promoted forest clearance for agriculture to generate more tax income from the peasantry. The state also awarded land grants which was a symbol of power and status for the elite. Some Nepalis depended on land for survival, and some for status and power. Now, Deuba wants to make sure that all 22 million Nepalis should have their own piece
of land.

But times have changed. Increasingly, the livelihood system of even the rural farmers is diversified. With off-farm employment, it is no longer subsistence. Unfortunately, our rulers are limited in their vision and are not able to see beyond the narrow view of agriculture being the saviour of Nepalis.

Rajesh B Shrestha
Hanoi