Hyderabad: The Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Act, 2026, has emerged as a key legislative measure to safeguard the fundamental Right to Life of senior citizens. With traditional family structures weakening, many elderly parents are vulnerable to abandonment after transferring assets to their children.The act, brought into force by the state govt during the recently concluded assembly session, addresses this by providing a clear legal framework for dependent parents to claim basic needs, medical care and shelter.A major advantage of this law is its focus on accountability and speed. This ensures that justice is not delayed for those in physical or psychological distress.However, the success of the act relies heavily on strict enforcement by designated authorities and public awareness. To implement it better, high court advocate Prabhakar Chikkudu says that the state must ensure these administrative bodies tasked with implementing the law are fully staffed to meet the strict 45- and 60-day deadlines set for redressal of complaints.“Furthermore, connecting the act’s enforcement directly to the accountability of employees can serve as a deterrent against neglect. By upholding Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, this act aims to restore dignity and security to the elderly,” adds Prabhakar Chikkudu.Another high court advocate, Ch Sudheer Kumar, while welcoming the bill, opined that the framed rules and guidelines are good on paper. He called for immediate setting up of counselling and mediator centres for both parents and children. Further, he opined that residence expenses, medical bills and medical insurance for elderly parents have to be borne by the children.Sudheer Kumar further pointed out that the bill does not clearly mention punishments for any violations on the part of the children. “The bill also does not mention the attachment of self employed persons or businessmen’s salaries if found guilty of neglecting their elderly parents,” he said.He also appealed to ensure the authorities responsible for enforcing this act or their staff visit the elderly in distress, who are not in a position to visit the offices physically, at their homes and attend to their grievances.The law applies to employees working in Telangana, including MLAs, MLCs, state govt employees, employees of public and private organizations, employees of state public undertakings, employees and elected representatives of local bodies (municipalities, panchayats, GHMC).The law provides protection to dependent parents, including biological and stepparents, parents who cannot maintain themselves and lack adequate income.If a complaint is accepted: Salary apportionment up to 15% of the employee’s gross monthly salary, maximum ₹10,000 per month.Payment is deducted from salary and directly transferred to parents’ bank account.How aggrieved parents can apply:Submit a written application to the District Collector/District Magistrate (Designated Authority); provide details of personal income and need for financial support; authority must decide the case within 60 days.Parents can appeal if they are dissatisfied by appealing to the Senior Citizens Commission within 45 days. The commission has to decide the appeal within 60 days. If the commission is not constituted, appeal can be made to the High Court.Other important provisions:Parents can withdraw applications voluntarily.Payment stops if both parents pass away.The law works in addition to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
