GUWAHATI: In Assam, a disquieting issue has emerged as a matter of increasing concern. It revolves around the significant number of children who, unfortunately, are neglecting their fundamental duty of providing care and support to their aging parents.
As the fabric of traditional family values undergoes changes in modern society, this dilemma is garnering attention and raising questions about the shifting dynamics within familial relationships.
The vital importance of respecting and caring for the elderly is deeply rooted in Indian culture and ethos, making this issue all the more disconcerting.
In 2007, India introduced the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, designed to ensure that parents and senior citizens receive the necessary maintenance and welfare they deserve.
This legislation places a legal obligation on children and heirs to provide a monthly allowance to support their senior citizen parents.
Furthermore, it offers a straightforward, prompt, and cost-effective mechanism for protecting the lives and property of older individuals.
In response to this growing problem, former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took proactive steps by launching the 'Parents Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring' (PRANAM) Commission in Guwahati on February 26, 2019.
This commission was established to address issues related to a bill aimed at safeguarding the welfare of parents of state government employees.
The PRANAM Commission was created under the Assam Employees’ PRANAM Act, 2017, with Assam Act No. XLIII of 2017 receiving approval from the Governor on October 16, 2017.
The primary goal of the PRANAM Act is to establish accountability for employees of the state government and other organisations in Assam concerning their obligations to care for their parents and siblings with disabilities, as well as matters related to these responsibilities.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the PRANAM Commission disclosed, "The PRANAM Commission has received and resolved 45 cases."
However, it is important to note that this number does not encompass dependent parents who have sought compensation at the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) level.