Law to make children take care of parents

NEW DELHI: The proposed model legislation for enacting a law to make it mandatory for children to take care of their parents is likely to be introduced in the coming budget session of Parliament.

The draft bill was discussed in detail by the Group of Minister constituted on the subject, and it was by and large agreed that it could be tabled in the coming session, sources in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said.

The Bill provides that children may face legal action, if they fail to provide for their parents.

According to Minister Meira Kumar, the proposed bill would create an "enabling mechanism for the elderly to claim need-based maintenance from their children."

Parents may approach tribunals to seek remedies. These tribunals would be set up in each subdivision of the country and advocates will not be allowed to take part in its proceedings.

The legislation would also provides old age pension to meet basic needs of older persons, setting up a well equipped geriatric ward in each district hospital and at least one old age home in each district. 

The draft bill has a provision for protection of life and property of older persons.