Shashi Dhungel

Kathmandu, July 10:

The case of two elderly people missing from the Social Welfare Centre Bridhashram at Pashupati since July 7 has raised questions about poor management of the centre. Yama Thakar, 68, and Kanchi Shrestha, 66, are missing since July 7 after they were taken for an audience on King Gyanendra’s birthday that day. Thakar and Shrestha were living in the Bridhashram for the past four years and eight months, respectively. Thakar hails from Kavre district, whereas Shrestha’s details are hazy. Arjun Prasad Gautam, office chief of the Bridhashram, said the two had identity cards and hoped that someone would bring them back. The case of the two missing apart, the fact remains that the one and only government-run old-age home located in Pashupati is in dire straits. Home to 230 elderly people, it

is waiting in vain for government assistance. The old-age home can house only 205, but it has 230 people. Understandably, services provided to the residents are poor.