Adult children have a responsibility to care for their aging parents, a concept often discussed but rarely enforced. Now, Telangana's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, is planning legislation that makes this a formal requirement. If children with government jobs fail to provide for their parents' needs, a portion of their salary—10% to be exact—will be redirected to the parents' account. Currently, Assam has a similar rule known as the ‘PRANAM Act’.
What is the PRANAM Act and Why Was It Implemented?
In 2017, Assam introduced the Parental Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring (PRANAM) Act. This law mandates that government employees fulfill their responsibilities towards their elderly parents and siblings with disabilities. Should an employee neglect their family, a designated portion of their salary is rerouted to the needy family member upon the PRANAM Commission’s order.
The necessity for this law arose in Assam due to a growing social issue. Many government employees had moved to cities or other states, leaving their elderly parents behind. Cases surfaced where these parents had to rely on others even for medical treatments and daily necessities.
Complaints became frequent about parents being neglected despite having children capable of caring for them. Especially highlighted were situations involving government employees whose stable salaries were thought to come with inherent responsibilities.
Source: aajtak
In the northeastern states, family disputes were increasing, with elderly parents facing legal battles. The government stepped in with action instead of mere moral appeals. The PRANAM Act aims to set accountability rather than impose punishments, establishing salary deductions as the norm instead of fines or imprisonment.
Existing Elderly Care Laws in the Country
India currently follows the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, a central initiative established about two decades ago. This law ensures that earning children provide complete care for their parents, failing which the elderly can seek maintenance through tribunals.
However, it was observed that despite its existence, the law was ineffective on the ground. It requires parents to file a complaint, which is neither emotionally, socially, nor physically easy for them. Many avoid complaining, and those who do face the tedious process of engaging with lawyers and courts.
Source: aajtak
How the PRANAM Act Functions
To bridge this gap, Assam's PRANAM Act introduced a preventive approach. It dismisses the necessity for parents to directly file a case against their children. Government employee parents are covered, allowing complaints through various channels such as local administration, social welfare departments, or appointed authorities. Relatives, neighbors, or local officials can also bring issues to light.
Upon a raised complaint, instead of heading to court, the matter is reviewed by a committee or nodal authority at the governmental level. Should neglect be proven, the government will directly deduct a specified amount from the employee's salary to transfer to the parents' bank account.
What Could Be Expected in Telangana?
Telangana is considering a similar act, announced by CM Reddy on January 12th. Presenting a deterrent, the plan will channel deducted salary amounts from government employees directly into the bank accounts of neglected parents, ensuring elderly citizens do not have to depend on others.
A draft bill may soon surface, potentially presented in the upcoming budget session of the assembly. The expectation is this will reinforce accountability among government employees receiving regular salaries, deterring them from shirking familial responsibilities.
Further, Telangana plans to establish PRANAM daycare centers for senior citizens to socialize and access meals and amenities. Each center may cost around 10 million Rupees, with 37 locations planned. The state allocated a budget of 500 million Rupees for the entire initiative.
