UDAYAPUR, April 20: After nearly 20 years, Ved Bahadur Khadka and his family returned to their ancestral village in Khotang. In recognition, the Baraha Pokhari Rural Municipality awarded them Rs 100,000 as a resettlement incentive.
Khadka had left his hometown of Mauwabote, Ward 6 of Baraha Pokhari, in 2006 to settle in Balardaha, Saptari district. A month ago, he returned to his native village with his family and registered their return at the ward office.
Rural Municipality Chairperson Shalikram Banjara personally visited Khadka’s under-construction home to hand over the cash incentive. “He left nearly two decades ago but has now returned with the intention to settle here permanently. We provided this support to encourage such returns,” said Banjara.
According to Banjara, Khadka has begun building a new house at the same location where his family once lived. The municipality launched the incentive scheme to motivate other former residents to return and settle in their ancestral land.
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Khadka said his love for his birthplace and the warmth of his old neighbors brought him back. “Saptari has more facilities, but I couldn’t forget the affection of my village and community,” he said.
Although Khadka moved away, he never sold the land inherited from his forefathers. He now plans to cultivate the once-abandoned fields. “I will bring these barren lands back to life and grow organic grains and fruits,” he said.
Rural municipality spokesperson Ramesh Pokharel said the chairperson's team visited Khadka’s home on Thursday and handed over the cheque after completing all legal procedures.
Khadka has already started cultivating maize and paddy on his land while continuing construction of his house. He believes that returnee families can help revive both the local population and agriculture. “I want to see our village full again, and our land fertile,” he said.
He called on others who have left their villages to return, saying, “The soil of our birthplace carries a special scent. The brotherhood and harmony here are unmatched. Please come back!”
Chairperson Banjara said the municipality is focusing on improving physical infrastructure to make the village livable again. “We are equipping all six wards with essential facilities and development. Compared to the plains, this region offers cleaner air, a healthier environment, and a stronger sense of community,” he said.
To address ongoing outmigration, the rural municipality has adopted a policy to provide cash incentives to returning families. Banjara said the "Back to Village" campaign will continue and be expanded in the coming days.
Among Khotang’s 10 local units, Sakela Rural Municipality had previously launched a similar initiative. As many residents continue to migrate in search of better services, local governments hope these campaigns will help stabilize and eventually increase the district's population.
