Eighty-six-year-old Damimaya Chepang of Thokre in Kalikatar-6 could have used the allowance to ease her living but unlike many senior citizens in the area, she refrains from going to the VDC office. “Our children will have to live with the debt over their heads if I die with debt on my shoulder,” she said explaining the reason behind the decision.

VDC Secretary Dhurba Kharel said no one has been able to convince her that the allowance is not a debt.

“She does not want the allowance and instead scolds us when we try to convince her,” her son Dambar said. “The reason she does not accept the allowance is not because she is financially sound but she is under the belief that it is a form of debt,” said Narendra Rijal, a social worker.

A mother of six sons and five daughters, who have all been married, Damimaya has 57 granddaughters. While all of her off-springs have settled on their own, Damimaya spends her days alone in her hut. Her sons sometime help her financially, but it is not of much help.

Though agile for her age, Damimaya has been weakened by asthma of late. She said she approached local shamans for treatment but has never to a medical facility as she does not believe in doctors. Married at the age of seven to a year older boy, she had the sway over the boys in the village during her heydays.

According to Man Bahadur Gole, 93, of Katunje, Kalikatar, boys in the village did not have the guts to stand in front of her as she was strong and fearless.

According to Kharel, 273 senior citizens receive the allowance in the VDC.