India
Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal Proposes Passport Cancellation for Children Who Abandon Elderly Parents: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal has proposed cancelling the passports of individuals who abandon their elderly parents in India to settle abroad, sparking a nationwide debate on family responsibility and legal enforcement.
Speaking in Parliament, the senior BJP leader urged the Ministry of External Affairs to introduce stricter measures to ensure that children living overseas remain accountable for the care and well-being of their parents.
Proposal: “Certificate of Fulfilled Obligation”
Dr. Agrawal suggested mandating a “Certificate of Fulfilled Obligation” to be obtained from parents every six months. The certificate would confirm that the child is maintaining contact and providing necessary financial and emotional support.
In cases of non-compliance, he proposed that authorities consider cancelling the passport of the child concerned.
The BJP MP argued that many parents sacrifice lifelong savings, property, and resources to educate their children and send them abroad, only to be left alone in their old age.
Addressing Growing Concerns
The proposal aims to tackle the growing issue of elderly parents being abandoned after their children migrate for better opportunities overseas. According to Dr. Agrawal, the move is intended to reinforce traditional Indian values centered on family responsibility and respect for elders.
He emphasized that migration for education and employment should not come at the cost of neglecting one’s moral and legal duties toward parents.
Legal Context: Existing Senior Citizens Law
The suggestion ties into the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which already mandates that children are legally obligated to provide maintenance and support to their elderly parents.
Under the Act, parents can approach tribunals to seek financial assistance from children who fail to fulfill their responsibilities. However, enforcement becomes complex when children reside outside India.
Dr. Agrawal’s proposal seeks to strengthen implementation by involving passport and external affairs authorities.
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