Telangana Assembly passes Bill aims at ensuring financial security for senior citizens
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the bill aims to go beyond the existing central legislation.
He noted that the country already has a national law: the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
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However, the state’s new bill will also cover public representatives and private employees.
The bill mandates public representatives, government employees and private employees to care for their elderly parents. Failure to comply will result in a deduction of 15 per cent of the salary payable to parents or Rs 10,000, whichever is lower.
Speaking during the debate, Reddy touched on the case of Vijaypat Singhania, who inherited all his property to his son but came to light later: “The state government has brought this bill as a social responsibility. This is not like any other law. While inculcating moral values among people, if anyone neglects their parents, they should be brought under the ambit of the law to ensure that they value them,” he said.
Stating that it is the responsibility of society to correct children who neglect their parents, Reddy said it is unfortunate that the state had to enact such a law.
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According to Reddy, those who neglect their parents have no right to live in society.
While participating in the debate on the bill, Minister Konda Surekha said, “There is no life without parents. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of them.” he said.
“There is a need to determine responsibilities. Society needs to change its attitude towards the elderly. I sincerely thank our Prime Minister for taking such an initiative,” he said.
Describing it as “the first of its kind in the country”, BJP MLA Payal Shankar stated that her party supported the bill and suggested that the specified amount should be increased.
CPI member K Sambasiva Rao said his party also supports the bill.
