The Government of Telangana has announced plans to introduce a law that could deduct part of a government employee’s salary if they are found neglecting their elderly parents. The proposal is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen social support for senior citizens and ensure families fulfil their legal and moral responsibilities toward ageing relatives.
What The Proposed Law Entails
Under the proposed legislation, state government employees who fail to care for their elderly parents may face a salary reduction of 10 – 15 percent. The deducted amount will not be retained by the government; instead, it will be credited directly into the bank account of the neglected parent.
The bill is expected to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the state legislature. Once passed, it will make Telangana one of the few Indian states to link employee pay with family caregiving responsibilities.
Who It Applies To
The proposed rule is specifically aimed at state government employees. If a parent files a complaint that they are not being properly looked after by their working child, authorities can initiate the process to determine whether salary deductions should be applied.
The deduction would be triggered only after the complaint is established according to procedures laid down in the new law. The measure would apply only to confirmed cases where family neglect is verified by the competent authority.
Why The Government Is Introducing This Rule
Telangana officials say the move is intended to protect vulnerable senior citizens who may be abandoned or left without adequate care. Government leaders have cited situations where elderly parents struggle due to lack of financial or personal support from their children.
The Chief Minister has said the rule will make the state’s commitment to social welfare more robust, complementing existing government support services for the elderly.
How It Bolsters Existing Laws
Nationally, India already has laws obligating children to maintain their parents. However, the Telangana proposal goes further by directly linking financial penalties to caregiving behaviour and automating support to elderly parents without the need for long legal processes.
A similar law already exists in another state, where government employees found neglecting their dependent parents or siblings can face salary deductions that are paid out to the dependents.
Next Steps And Implementation
The draft bill will be prepared and presented during the upcoming legislative session. Once introduced, lawmakers will debate the provisions, including how complaints will be verified, how deductions will be administered, and safeguards to prevent misuse of the provision.
Public reactions and discussions among worker groups and civil liberties advocates are expected as the proposed system could raise questions about privacy, employment rights, and the role of government in family matters.
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