Assam eyes private sector employees in salary-cut act

An act, having provision to deduct 10 to 15% salary of Assam government employees failing to take care of their aged parents and physically challenged unmarried siblings, now plans to include private sector employees too.

The first such act in the country, which made geriatric care compulsory for 4 lakh state government employees last year, is also eyeing the central government employees working in Assam.

The state government on Tuesday set up a commission, which would hear the complaints lodged by aged parents and divyang siblings and take action as per provision in the act.

Assam finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said the bill would benefit 8 lakh parents of 4 lakh state government employees and it was the state government’s endeavour to recognise the role of the parents in the success of their children. “Parents are a reflection of god and the children must fulfil their duty by taking care of their needs in their old age,” he said. Informing that employees of private organisations and central government working in the state would also be covered in the subsequent phases, he said that state had 16 lakh people out of the old age pension scheme.

If the Assam Employees Parents Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring (PRANAM) Commission finds a government employee guilty of neglecting their parents/ unmarried divyang siblings having no source of income would be held liable for 10 to 15% salary deduction every month, which would be transferred to the bank account of the complainants.

“We have ensured that no state government employee can ignore their old parents and unmarried divyang siblings. PRANAM bill is an effort from the state government to protect the old parents and divyang siblings in their times of need and give them financial security.” Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

“Only true service to the parents can help one become successful as following parents’ teachings are important for a happy life,” he said.

The PRANAM commission comprises retired IAS officer V.B.Pyarelal as chief commissioner and former MLA Dr Alaka Desai Sarma and social worker Jugabala Buragohain as two commissioners.