Senior citizens can call the toll-free number 14567 in case of complaints. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES
Wanaparthy Collector, Adarsh Surabhi, issued instructions to increase the monthly allowance and in some cases to double it when an appeal was filed against the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) instructions to pay ₹5,000 per month to senior citizens or parents. One such case was heard a month ago.
Toll free number 14567
On Wednesday (November 19, 2025), on the occasion of the International Day of Senior Citizens, which is being held in the week of November 12, the collector said that if senior citizens in the district are being neglected by children, a complaint can be made on the toll-free number 14567.
Referring to the “Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007”, the Collector said that if a complaint is lodged with the RDO in this regard, appropriate action will be taken against the people. Based on 53 complaints, the finance division officer issued instructions to pay the monthly allowance to the parents.
The law contains a provision (Section 16(1)) that a senior citizen or parent can file an appeal with the Court of Appeal if they disagree with the officer’s order. Apart from this, suo moto cases are also dealt with in case of non-payment of allowance. Listening to both sides, the children of the senior citizens said they could pay only ₹1,000. The Collector ordered them to pay more, sometimes a contribution of ₹10,000.
Mr. Adarsh said that a home for the elderly would soon be set up in the district. There are around 23,000 pensioners in the district and around 95 have been added this month.
Meanwhile, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched a program titled ‘Senior Saathi’ at the Hyderabad Collectorate on Wednesday. He recalled the complaints of seniors during field visits, including parents with neglected children and lonely seniors.
Published – 20 Nov 2025 14:21 IST
