Members of the Senior Citizens Welfare Association expressed concern over the rising cases of abuse against senior citizens and retired employees. They appealed to the officials of the Disabled Welfare, Women Development and Child Welfare, Revenue, and Police Departments to take measures to prevent abuse of senior citizens.

“We planned awareness programmes on June 15 (Monday) across NTR and Krishna districts in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, aimed at identifying and addressing the issues and mistreatment of senior citizens,” said Motukuri Venkateswara Rao, a member of the Senior Citizens Welfare Association State Council.

Elders are already suffering from various health issues, along with loneliness, as their children are living far away. Criminals and cyber offenders are targeting senior citizens who are living alone, said Mr. Venkateswara Rao.

“As there are no joint families, mental stress among children, job losses, financial problems, apartment culture in cities, and disputes among couples, parents, and grandparents are being neglected and abused,” said Mr. Venkateswara Rao, who is also the Secretary of the NTR District Senior Citizens Welfare Association.

Speaking to The Hindu on Sunday (June 14, 2026), Krishna District Collector D.K. Balaji said that action would be taken against those who ill-treat or neglect parents. Victims can approach the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) concerned and the officer can order for financial support to the parents under Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

“Parents are requested to give their properties to children as gift deed only, and they will have the right to take back if necessary. We are also observing the situation in the homes meant for senior citizens,” said Mr. Balaji.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) K.G.V. Saritha of NTR Commissionerate asked the children to conduct antecedent verification, before appointing caretakers and domestic helps for their parents.

“The security agencies should supply caretakers only after taking up antecedent verification and checking the pre-history of the persons to prevent abuse of senior citizens,” Ms. Saritha said.

“We request the officers to respond to the grievances of senior citizens who have submitted petitions regarding harassment in the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS),” Mr. Venkateswara Rao said.