Neglect of senior citizens will not be tolerated, says Joint Collector

Neglect of senior citizens will not be tolerated and the violators would be liable for criminal action as per the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, said Joint Collector Abhishek Kumar.

Addressing a district-level orientation session and Senior Citizens Welfare Committee meeting here on Thursday (July 31, 2025), the Joint Collector said that the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens should sensitise field officials and stakeholders about the Act and its associated 2011 rules.

Expressing concern over the increasing neglect faced by elderly parents within families, the Joint Collector highlighted the need for strict implementation of the law. He instructed the field officials to hold awareness campaigns to sensitise the public on the rights of elderly people.

Representatives of the Anantapur District Legal Services Authority highlighted the key provisions of the Act and said that under Section 23 of the Act, parents could reclaim property transferred to sons and daughters in case of neglect. The Section 24 mandates imprisonment of up to three months with a fine of ₹5,000.

Members of the Senior Citizens’ Association made few suggestions in improving welfare services and submitted a memorandum to the Joint Collector regarding their concerns.

Senior officials from the revenue and police departments from Puttaparthi, Dharmavaram, and Penukonda divisions took part in the meeting.