NRNA regrets its decision to buy Lalita Niwas land for its global secretariate

Kathmandu, Feb. 18

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has expressed regrets over the confusion and controversy on its decision to invest in buying land at the Lalita Niwas and constructing its global secretariat there.

"We regret that such a big and sensitive investment decision of the NRNA could not be free from confusion and controversy. The association is committed to resolving the confusion and inconvenience caused to all donors and members," it said in a statement on Sunday.

The NRNA had spent about Rs. 290 million in purchasing the land, existing buildings and construction of the secretariat. The funds were the social investment from all the members, well-wishers, national coordinating councils and central officials from all over the world.

The NRNA had purchased 3 ropanis (48 aanas) of land about eight years ago at the rate of Rs. 2.65 million per aana along with a building from Shovakanta Dhakal, Ramkumar Subedi, Sandip Dhakal, Uma Kumari Dhakal and Madhavi Subedi.

It informed that the payment was made in a cheque via bank.

In its recent decision, the Special Court had given its verdict to nationalise about 284 ropanis of land including the NRNA's office building in Lalita Niwas.

Since the NRNA purchased the land as per the Cabinet decision and got a discount in land registration, we were clear about the legality of the land, it said while expressing sorrow at the news that the land had been confiscated.

Likewise, the Association said that it would appeal against the decision of the Special Court and its effect to the Supreme Court for final resolution.

Until the Supreme Court issues its verdict, the right of use and ownership of the land shall remain with the NRNA, it claimed.

"During the construction of the current central secretariat building built with the Association's investment, approval was obtained from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the construction of the building was completed by the decision of the Supreme Court," it said.

According to the NRNA, if the Supreme Court decides otherwise, it has the right to file a case in District Court Kathmandu against the sellers of the land to claim compensation. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2024.