Hyderabad, Mar 29 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday strongly pitched for stricter legal measures to ensure that children take responsibility for the care and welfare of their elderly parents, calling it both a moral duty and a social necessity.
Speaking over the proposed parental bill in the State Legislative Assembly, Reddy said the government is considering bringing in a law aimed at protecting senior citizens from neglect and abandonment.
He emphasised that the proposed legislation is intended not only to provide legal safeguards but also to instil accountability among children who fail to care for their ageing parents.
Drawing from cultural and moral narratives, he referred to the story of Shravana Kumara as an enduring example of devotion towards parents.
In contrast, he cited the real-life case of industrialist Vijaypat Singhania to highlight the growing trend of neglect faced by elderly parents in modern society.
The Chief Minister noted that despite existing legal provisions such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, instances of neglect, abandonment, and disputes over property continue to rise.
He stressed that the new bill is being drafted with a sense of responsibility and emotional consideration to address these gaps.
“This legislation is meant to ensure that no parent is left helpless or abandoned in their final years,” he said, adding that it aims to create both legal protection and a sense of deterrence against neglect.
Revanth Reddy also pointed to changing social structures such as the decline of joint families and increasing nuclear households as key factors contributing to the issue.
He observed that while daughters often have the willingness to support their parents, social and familial constraints can limit their ability to do so.
The proposed bill, he said, is part of a broader effort to reinforce social values, protect vulnerable elderly citizens, and uphold dignity in later life.
While acknowledging that legislation alone cannot solve the problem entirely, the Chief Minister expressed hope that it would serve as a strong step towards ensuring justice and care for senior citizens.
TNT TS
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