Adults nag their parents for cash
Hit by Covid, families pile on the elderly
Covid-19 has brought new challenges to senior citizens, particularly pensioners. After losing employment, a large number of families have rushed to their native places, failing to cope with the expenditure in the urban areas, and are economically pressuring their old parents. Senior citizens, hoping to lead their retired lives peacefully with pensions and other income sources, including rents and interests, are facing tough times taking care of their adult children and minor grandchildren.
A majority of adult children are now forcing their parents to provide financial help. The Centre had in 2007 brought in the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, which looks after the welfare of the senior citizens. According to the Act, the head of a police station should maintain a register of senior citizens’ names, addresses and phone numbers residing in that jurisdiction.
The station house officer should conduct periodic meetings with senior citizens, enquiring about their welfare. However, enforcement authorities have not been following the provisions of the Act. “I do not know about Acts and laws. In the first week of June, my son his wife and their two children came back home saying they have lost everything due to Covid-19. I welcomed them and am maintaining the family with my pension. There are silent disturbances in the family as their demands increase every day. I never expected a single rupee from my son, as I am a pensioner. Not looking at my welfare and my spouse, my son and his in-laws are harassing me for money to kickstart a new business,” said Visweswara Rao, a Central government lamented.
A number of pensioners are being harassed for money and other needs. Dependents, leading independent lives before Covid19, never looked after their parents. Even when their parents are in an emergency, in the name of ‘no leave and busy,’ they do not even come to help but now want money and help.
“How can I lodge a complaint against my son and grandsons? Covid-19 is challenging for senior citizens. At the age of 65 now I am again running my son’s and daughter’s families since June. During our evening walks, there are plenty of such stories, who will listen,” asked D.L. Murty, a retired co-operative bank official. The police department says that if anyone lodges complaints, the department would surely take action. Unless there is a complaint, what can the police do, ask police officials. pensioner,