Hyderabad: The Telangana Legislative Council on Monday passed the Telangana parents maintenance bill, mandating financial responsibility on employed children and enabling salary deductions in cases of neglect.
Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar introduced the Telangana parents maintenance bill. He said the law aimed to ensure financial security and dignity for elderly parents.
The Minister stated that the Telangana parents maintenance bill reinforced moral responsibility. He referred to the ethos of “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava” while presenting the legislation.
He said parents who dedicate their lives to raising children deserve care and security in old age. Therefore, the Telangana parents maintenance bill sought to strengthen support systems.
Telangana parents maintenance bill targets enforcement gaps
Adluri Laxman Kumar said changing social dynamics had increased vulnerability among the elderly. He noted that the decline of joint family systems contributed to neglect and isolation.
He cited data showing that the elderly population rose significantly. It increased from 32.69 lakh in 2011 to an estimated 45 lakh.
He pointed out gaps in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Around 1,800 cases were registered annually at RDO offices, he said.
Although an online portal was introduced, many elderly parents still faced difficulty receiving maintenance. Therefore, the Telangana parents maintenance bill aimed to address these shortcomings.
Telangana parents maintenance bill mandates salary deduction
The Telangana parents maintenance bill provides stricter enforcement measures. If parents file a complaint before the district collector, an inquiry will be conducted.
If neglect is proven, up to 15% of the employee’s monthly salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, will be deducted. The amount will be credited directly to the parents’ bank account.
The Telangana parents maintenance bill applies to government employees, public sector personnel, and staff in government-funded institutions. It also covers licensed private employees and elected representatives receiving salaries or allowances.
The Minister said the initiative reflected the vision of A. Revanth Reddy. He added that the law strengthened the existing legal framework while reinforcing social responsibility.
The Telangana parents maintenance bill was passed unanimously in the Council. The Minister expressed confidence that it would ensure dignity and security for elderly parents.