A Holding Centre has been established and made operational in Tilganga by the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust (PADT) to identify the actual circumstances of street-dependent and vulnerable citizens rescued from the sacred Pashupatinath area and to manage them appropriately. The centre began operations on Tuesday, Baisakh 23, through a joint initiative of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust, and Manav Sewa Ashram.
On that same Tuesday, PADT Executive Director Subhashchandra Joshi and KMC Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol visited the centre to gather information about its infrastructure, services and facilities, management status, and the needs and expectations of the rescued individuals.
During the inspection, Acting Mayor Dangol stated that the Metropolitan City is prioritizing its campaign to make Kathmandu free of people dependent on public assistance. She clarified that those who are capable of working will be made self-reliant through employment, while the Metropolitan City will arrange dignified accommodation for those unable to work, who have no family support, and who require protection.
“We are leading the effort to make Kathmandu free of those dependent on public assistance. Those who can work must earn their livelihood through labour; for those who cannot enter the labour market and have no one to care for them, the Metropolitan City will make necessary arrangements for dignified living. Coordination between individuals, families, communities, and partner organizations is essential to make this campaign successful,” she said.
Engaging in direct conversation with the rescued individuals, officials gathered information on various matters including their family situations, reasons for ending up on the streets, health conditions, and expectations from family and the state. It was noted that family reunification will be given first priority, and only those who are helpless, unclaimed, and in need of protection will be kept long-term at the ashram.
For this purpose, 50 sleeping mattresses and cooking utensils were distributed by the Fund. PADT Executive Director Subhashchandra Joshi expressed the Fund’s commitment to providing the necessary cooperation and management to make the centre’s infrastructure more organized, secure, and effective on a long-term basis.