CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government Fully Committed to Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Every Senior Citizen
Caring for Parents Is a Legal Responsibility, Says Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur
Maintenance Tribunals to Ensure Speedy Relief; Strict Action Against Neglect of Elderly Parents
Act Safeguards Property Rights and Strengthens Institutional Care for Senior Citizens
Chandigarh, July 18:
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a life of dignity, security and respect for every senior citizen, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens across the State. She described the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 as a landmark legislation that provides a robust legal framework to safeguard elderly citizens against neglect, abandonment and financial insecurity.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that children and legal heirs are legally as well as morally responsible for maintaining parents who are unable to support themselves. She said the Act empowers senior citizens to claim monthly maintenance through a simple, affordable and time-bound mechanism, sparing them lengthy legal proceedings while ensuring speedy justice without unnecessary harassment or procedural delays.
Highlighting the Government’s dedicated support system for the elderly, the Cabinet Minister said that the Elder Line (National Helpline 14567) is operational across the State to provide immediate assistance to senior citizens facing emotional, legal or physical distress. She said the toll-free helpline is more than just a telephone number—it is a dependable support system where every concern of senior citizens is heard with empathy and addressed promptly.
Emphasising that the health, well-being and awareness of senior citizens remain among the Government’s highest priorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed departmental officials to organise special awareness campaigns at the district level to educate senior citizens about their legal rights and welfare entitlements. She also called for the active involvement of local NGOs and eminent members of society in these outreach initiatives. The Minister further said that the Punjab Government regularly organises special health camps across the State to ensure that senior citizens receive quality healthcare services and free medical check-ups close to their homes, enabling them to lead healthier and more dignified lives.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that parents and senior citizens seeking maintenance or legal protection under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 may file their complaints with the office of the District Social Security Officer or before the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), who functions as the Maintenance Tribunal under the Act. She said the SDM, in the capacity of the Maintenance Tribunal, is empowered to hear such cases and ensure timely redressal of grievances, thereby safeguarding the legal rights and welfare of senior citizens.
Explaining the legal safeguards under the Act, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Maintenance Tribunals have been established to provide speedy relief to senior citizens. Applications may be filed not only by parents themselves but also through authorised representatives or recognised Non Government organisation (voluntary organisations), making the grievance redressal mechanism simple, accessible and senior citizen-friendly.
The Minister further stated that the Act contains stringent provisions against those who neglect or ill-treat senior citizens. If an elderly person transfers property on the condition that the recipient will provide care and maintenance but the recipient fails to honour that commitment, the Maintenance Tribunal has the authority to declare such transfer or gift deed void. She added that the Act also provides for the establishment of old age homes and the appointment of Maintenance Officers to further strengthen institutional support for senior citizens.
Making an emotional appeal to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that senior citizens are the foundation of every family and the custodians of society’s values and traditions. Caring for them is not merely a legal obligation but also a reflection of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and moral ethos. She reiterated that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that every senior citizen in the State lives with dignity, security, independence and the respect they deserve.
