On 13 October 2026, President Ram Chandra Paudel issued two ordinances related to forests and land on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. This topic links current affairs to the Constitution of Nepal, so it can appear in both GK and law papers.
The Two Ordinances
| Official name | Also called |
|---|---|
| Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Relating to Forests, 2083 | Forests (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 |
| Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Relating to Land, 2083 | Lands (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 |
Why Were They Brought?
The President’s Office (spokesperson Shyam Prasad Bhandari) announced the ordinances on Ashwin 27, 2083 (13 October 2026) but did not publish their full provisions.
They came during the government’s campaign to solve land problems: in August 2026, Land Management Minister Pratibha Rawal said the government aims to give land ownership certificates (lalpurja) to all landless families within 18 months. An earlier land ordinance of 2081 BS (2025), which allowed land to be given to landless Dalits and squatters in some areas recorded as forest, was criticised by conservationists, so forest-related changes are closely watched.
What Is an Ordinance? (Article 114)
- Article 114 of the Constitution of Nepal lets the President issue an ordinance on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers when neither House of the Federal Parliament is in session and immediate action is needed.
- An ordinance has the same force as an Act while it is valid.
- It must be tabled at the next session of Parliament.
- If not approved, it becomes void 60 days after both Houses have met. Parliament can also reject it earlier, and the President can repeal it at any time.
Ordinances in provinces are issued by the Province Chief under Article 187.
Analysis Point
Supporters say the ordinances will help landless people get legal title quickly. Critics of governing by ordinance argue that important laws should go through full debate in Parliament. Both points make good material for a subjective answer on “ordinance and democracy”.
Practice MCQs
- Under which article of the Constitution of Nepal does the President issue ordinances?
a) Article 76 b) Article 114 c) Article 119 d) Article 187
Answer: b) Article 114 - On what date were the forest and land ordinances issued?
a) 29 May 2026 b) 16 September 2026 c) 13 October 2026 d) 17 October 2026
Answer: c) 13 October 2026 - An unapproved ordinance becomes void how many days after both Houses of Parliament have met?
a) 30 b) 45 c) 60 d) 90
Answer: c) 60 - Who issues ordinances at the province level?
a) Chief Minister b) Province Chief c) Speaker d) President
Answer: b) Province Chief - Who is the Land Management Minister who explained the 2026 land ordinance?
a) Sobita Gautam b) Nisha Mehta c) Pratibha Rawal d) Sudan Gurung
Answer: c) Pratibha Rawal
Related Notes
- Constitution of Nepal notes
- Administration and Law notes
- Election 2026 and who’s who of the government
- Cabinet decisions, September 2026
- All Current Affairs posts
Sources: Kantipur: President issues two ordinances; Kantipur: land certificates within 18 months; The Kathmandu Post: 2025 land ordinance criticism; Nepal Law Commission (Constitution of Nepal, Articles 114 and 187). Last updated: 20 October 2026.
Why this matters for Lok Sewa
- This topic connects current affairs to the Constitution: ordinances under Article 114 and their approval by Parliament.
- Land reform and landless families are common subjective topics. See our Constitution notes.
Quick practice questions
- Who issues ordinances in Nepal? Answer: The President, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
- Under which article are ordinances issued? Answer: Article 114.