MORE ELDERLY PARENTS ARE ABANDONED IN KERALA

We may sorrowfully notice the fact that the trend of abandoning old aged parents by children are increasing considerably in Kerala. While some parents are left in old age homes, some left in government hospitals and some are left in temples or in streets. According to available information about 16.5% of population of Kerala  constituted elderly people in 2015. This is likely to reach over 20% by 2023. Can we assure our own parents a comfortable old age living in our own houses?

Before finding an answer to this, we may probe to find the answer that who are responsible to this situation. Number one is the parents themselves, because they could not make an unbreakable emotional attachment to the children. The next is our educational system. So far, it seems that our educational system has not identified this issue as an important one to be included in the school syllabus at appropriate density. Then comes our religions. They are more concerned in protecting the all powerful God than teaching the young ones to protect the helpless parents; their living gods.

Can we bring down the numbers of the abandoned parents to zero or to a negligible percentage? Yes, we can. Most of the young parents of today should ensure these things. While they must do their best to give their children, the best possible education and help to secure suitable jobs within the means of the parents, they should not spend money for constructing house and buying cars for children. That should be left to them. All the left over assets and money should be retained with the parents till their last breath. Under no circumstances partition of property should be made and allowed them to occupy. In the case of many claimants,  they may create a conditional will and get it registered. If necessary make it a revocable one. Similarly dowry should not be made in daughter's marriage. The parents can try to help them to locate the boy if they cannot. A share of the assets of the parents as eligible for the sons shall be marked for the daughters too. It should be further ensured that no pomp and show must be allowed for marriage with parents money.

Another important remedial measure is to have monetory assistance from our government for old aged people. How much it should be may be determined from the below mentioned countries. As per available information old age pension in some countries in Indian Rupees are given below.

Iceland Rs 23,175/-.per month 

Israel Rs 40,649/- pm

New Zealand Rs 97,822/- pm (The exact amount prevailing may be confirmed)

Now, it is suggested that the government of Kerala may give an old age pension to our people @ Rs 15,000/- per month. It is not an impossible task for the state government as we have adequate resources including qualified youth to bring in large revenue to the state. If our successive governments can leave away politics and concentrate on the state and the well being of the people, payment of pension to the old aged human beings may be easily adherable.

K V George