The Telangana government is reportedly preparing to introduce a landmark law aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of senior citizens who are neglected by their children. The proposed legislation, expected to be tabled during the upcoming budget session of the state legislature, could include measures to financially penalize employees who fail to care for their elderly parents.

Salary Deductions to Support Neglected Parents

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, speaking at an event in Hyderabad, indicated that the new law would target employees who do not provide necessary care for their aging parents. According to reports, the legislation would authorize the deduction of 10–15 per cent of the salary of such employees. The deducted amount would be transferred directly into the bank accounts of the neglected parents, ensuring financial support while holding adult children accountable.

Reddy highlighted that this step is part of the state government’s broader commitment to the welfare of senior citizens. He underscored that the initiative is particularly aimed at elderly individuals who are abandoned or ignored by their families, providing them with a direct source of assistance while creating a legal obligation for children to fulfil their familial responsibilities.

Day Care Centres for Elderly Citizens

The chief minister made these announcements during the inauguration of day care centres for senior citizens under the ‘Pranam’ programme. He described these centres as the first of their kind in India, designed to provide support, recreation, and health services to the elderly population. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring dignity, safety, and quality of life for senior citizens, especially those living alone or neglected.

Reddy emphasized that these day care centres are part of a larger effort to create a structured support system for the elderly, including health, nutrition, and social engagement. He also announced that the state government would unveil a comprehensive health policy during the budget session, aimed at guaranteeing access to medical treatment for all residents, with particular attention to the senior demographic.

Inclusion of Transgender Persons in Civic Bodies

In addition to policies for the elderly, the chief minister proposed measures to ensure greater representation of transgender persons in governance. Speaking to his cabinet colleagues, Reddy suggested nominating transgender individuals as co-opted corporators in municipal corporations during the upcoming local elections.

He drew parallels with current practices, noting that minorities are already co-opted as members of Zilla Parishads and municipalities, and argued that similar provisions could help address the social, economic, and political issues faced by transgender persons. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the next cabinet meeting.

Reddy further highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to integrate transgender persons into public service roles. He pointed to recent initiatives where transgender individuals were employed in the Hyderabad police commissionerate and other state departments, as well as appointed as traffic assistants in Hyderabad, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.

Support for Persons with Disabilities

During the same event, the chief minister also addressed the needs of persons with disabilities. He distributed retrofitted motorized vehicles, battery-operated tricycles, and other assistive devices to help them achieve greater mobility and independence. Drawing inspiration from former Union minister S. Jaipal Reddy, who demonstrated that physical challenges need not hinder leadership or public service, Reddy emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

Context and Implications of the Proposed Law

The proposed legislation targeting employees who neglect their parents is likely to spark debate regarding familial responsibility, privacy, and the role of the state in enforcing moral obligations. By linking salary deductions to parental care, the government seeks to ensure that senior citizens receive the financial and emotional support they deserve while sending a clear message about the societal importance of respecting and caring for elders.

Observers note that the policy could also encourage a broader culture of accountability and empathy within families, particularly in urban areas where traditional joint family structures are becoming less common. The move is consistent with India’s growing recognition of senior citizens’ rights, including provisions under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which mandates children to provide for their elderly parents.

Broader Policy Vision

Revanth Reddy’s announcements indicate a multi-pronged approach to social welfare in Telangana, encompassing the elderly, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities such as transgender persons. By combining financial safeguards, dedicated facilities, inclusive representation, and medical support, the government aims to create a comprehensive welfare framework that addresses both immediate needs and systemic challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

The upcoming budget session will likely provide further details on the proposed law, including mechanisms for enforcement, procedures for salary deduction, and safeguards to prevent misuse. The government’s broader emphasis on inclusivity and care for vulnerable populations positions Telangana as a potential model for other states seeking to strengthen support systems for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

Overall, the proposed law reflects a proactive approach by the Telangana government to address societal challenges, ensure elder care, promote inclusivity, and reinforce accountability, marking a significant step toward building a more compassionate and equitable social framework in the state.