Hyderabad, Mar 31: In a significant move aimed at strengthening social security for senior citizens, the Telangana Assembly has passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Act, 2026, making it legally binding for children to financially support their dependent parents.
The legislation introduces a structured legal mechanism enabling elderly parents, who lack sufficient income, to claim a portion of their employed children’s monthly salary to sustain a dignified life.
At the core of the law is a salary apportionment provision under which dependent parents can submit a written application before a designated authority—District Collector or District Magistrate—seeking financial support. Upon approval, parents will receive up to 15 per cent of the employee’s monthly salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower. The amount will be directly credited to their bank accounts by the appointing authority.
Officials said the designated authority is mandated to hear both parties and dispose of applications within 60 days. In cases of approval, payments will commence from the following month, while rejected applications must include recorded reasons communicated to all concerned.
To ensure effective implementation, the state government will constitute a Senior Citizens Commission within three months of the Act coming into force. The Commission, headed by a Chief Commissioner of High Court-level experience and supported by up to two members, will have quasi-judicial powers equivalent to a civil court.
Additionally, a State-Level Monitoring Body will be set up to oversee the execution of the law and ensure timely benefits for elderly citizens, particularly those who are sick or financially vulnerable.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the legislation goes beyond the existing Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 by extending its scope to include private employees and public representatives.
“The state government, as a social responsibility, has brought this Bill. It is not like any other legislation. If anyone neglects their parents, they should be brought under the purview of the law,” Reddy said during the Assembly discussion.
He also cited the case of industrialist Vijaypat Singhania to highlight the vulnerability of elderly parents. “Those who neglect their parents have no right to live in society,” he added.
State Minister Konda Surekha подчеркed the moral dimension of the legislation, saying, “There is no life without parents. It is everyone’s responsibility to look after them. Society needs to change its attitude towards the elderly.”
The Bill received broad political support, with BJP MLA Payal Shankar describing it as the “first of its kind in the country” and suggesting an increase in the financial cap. CPI leader K Sambasiva Rao also extended support to the measure.
The law mandates that failure to support elderly parents will result in automatic salary deductions within the prescribed limit, reinforcing both legal accountability and moral responsibility.
With this legislation, Telangana aims to set a precedent in ensuring that elderly citizens are not left financially vulnerable, blending legal enforcement with social values.
