Agency report
 
New Delhi, Feb 23: Children neglecting their aged parents, beware. Government proposes to come hard on them and they could even face jail.

A measure that seeks to set up Tribunals at district level having wideranging powers to provide need-based maintenance to the senior citizens is on the anvil.

Under the provisions of the Bill, a person who was responsible for the upkeep of parents failed to take care of them, can attract punitive measures like three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs5,000. Besides, it also provides for option to revoke the will.

The proposed Bill would provide effective care and protection to the senior citizens and would provide speedy and inexpensive legal framework to grant maintenance to them.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave its approval to the measure.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill 2006 will be introduced in the budget session of Parliament commencing on Friday, Information and Broadcasting Minister PR Dasmunsi told reporters.

Under the provisions of the Bill anyone could suo motu complain to Tribunals seeking relief for the senior citizens.

The measures also provides for setting up of old age homes, better medical facilities, protection to life and property of senior citizens and sensitise police forces regarding their security.