■    CM Revanth Reddy proposes exploring salary deductions (10–15%) to support neglected elderly parents directly

■    Assam’s PRANAM Act serves as a model; Telangana to study similar laws in other states for adaptation

■ Current legal options in Telangana include RDO-ordered maintenance and eviction orders against negligent children

■   Department to draft policy, examining legal and social frameworks to protect senior citizens more effectively

metro india news  I hyderabad

In a move that could offer a vital lifeline to elderly parents facing neglect, the Telangana government is exploring a new welfare policy aimed at ensuring financial and emotional security for senior citizens abandoned by their children.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, expressing concern over the rising instances of neglect faced by aged parents, directed officials to examine the feasibility of deducting 10-15% of salaries from government employees and crediting the amount directly to the bank accounts of their dependent parents. “Many working people are not taking care of their parents. The government must stand by such elderly individuals,” the CM said, adding that Assam has already implemented a similar initiative.

Telangana to toe Assam model

The Assam government’s “PRANAM Act” (Assam Employees Parental Responsibility Norms for Accountability Monitoring Act, 2017), which came into force in 2018, mandates state employees to financially support their dependent parents and disabled siblings. Inspired by this, Telangana is considering drafting a tailor-made policy based on the Assam model and similar practices in other states.

At present, Telangana offers limited redressal through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens & Transgender Persons. Elderly parents can approach local RDOs to seek monthly maintenance — Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 or more — from their salaried children. If the issue persists, District Collectors or the department can intervene further by cancelling gift deeds or even ordering eviction of the children and restoring house ownership to the victimised parents.

“These cases are sadly increasing year by year. Our department is currently handling five to six such cases every month,” said B. Shailaja, Director of the Department. She added, “We will study Assam’s policy and explore the legal aspects to draft a comprehensive framework that can protect and empower elderly parents in Telangana.”

With a growing number of senior citizens finding themselves side-lined in their own homes, this proposed policy comes as a big relief. More than 50% of the women above the age of 60 do not currently have an income. People aged 60 and above make up over 10% of the population. This translates to around 104 million people.  The proportion of senior citizens is expected to rise to 12% by 2030.

Nearly half of India’s disease burden is projected to be borne by older adults by 2030. Considering the future projections, the idea of Telangana Chief Minister is far sighted and the need of the hour.