In the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party member Sumitra Valmiki demanded 45 days of compulsory leave for government and private sector employees to take care of their elderly parents above 60 years of age.
Raising this issue during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Sumitra said that our government is taking historic steps for the upliftment of women and youth. I also have a demand.
Parental care and professional responsibilities
Sumitra mentioned people juggling between caring for elderly parents and professional responsibilities. He said that despite India having the largest youth force, the number of senior citizens will exceed 14.9 crore in 2026. He said this figure will reach above 23 crore by 2036 and “soon every third Indian will be elderly”.
Crores of youth stayed away from homes
Sumitra said that rapid urbanization and employment opportunities have driven crores of youth away from their homes, leaving their parents alone. He said, “When elders in every household need medical care, the presence of a person – son or daughter – is very important. But they find it difficult to take leave from office and often do not get leave.
should be given 45 days leave
Sumitra requested the government to provide 45 days leave to take care of senior citizens i.e. people above 60 years of age in both the government and private sector. He said, “Just like a mother gives 20 years to her child, similarly a son or daughter should also get leave to take care of sick parents.