Telangana Assembly passes parental support Bill, CM Revanth stresses accountability

The Telangana Assembly on Sunday passed the landmark Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserting that society must hold individuals accountable for neglecting their parents.

The Bill mandates that 15% of an employee’s gross salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, be deducted and paid to parents in cases of neglect. It seeks to ensure financial support for dependent parents by enabling them to apply for salary apportionment through designated authorities, including District Collectors and an appellate Senior Citizens Commission.

Describing the legislation as a “social responsibility”, he said the government’s intent was not merely to enact a law but to instil confidence among elderly parents that justice would be ensured. “No parent should be left orphaned or struggle in their final days,” he said, adding that legal measures alone may not resolve all issues but would act as a deterrent against neglect. He stated that changing social values and the pursuit of material gains were damaging familial bonds and emphasised the necessity to restore dignity and security for the elderly.

Narrating the mythological story of Shravana Kumar’s devotion towards his blind parents, he said such values once defined society and should remain the ideal. “If such values are upheld, there would be no need for laws,” he observed.

Contrasting this with contemporary realities, Mr. Reddy referred to the life of Vijaypat Singhania, former chairman of the Raymond Group, to highlight the darker side of familial neglect. The Chief Minister said the legislation was intended to “instil fear” among those who disregard their responsibilities and to strengthen protection mechanisms for senior citizens.

Referring to the Centre’s Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, he said that although provisions already exist mandating individuals to care for their parents, instances of discrimination and neglect persist. Mr. Reddy also emphasised that both sons and daughters share equal responsibility in caring for their elderly parents.