These policies are being positioned as part of a comprehensive strategy to support senior citizens and transgender individuals.
Published Jan 13, 2026 | 12:13 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 13, 2026 | 12:13 PM
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Credit: x.com/revanth_anumula
Synopsis: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced Sankranthi welfare measures, including a proposed law deducting 10–15% of government employees’ salaries to support neglected parents, sparking union concerns. He also directed transgender co-option in municipal councils to boost representation. Altogether, these initiatives aim to strengthen social inclusion, though implementation details and legislative timelines remain uncertain, drawing mixed reactions from stakeholders.
On the eve of Sankranthi, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has unveiled welfare initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, including a controversial proposal to deduct 10-15 percent of government employees’ salaries if they neglect their ageing parents, with the funds transferred directly to the parents’ accounts.
In a related push for social inclusion, he has also directed the co-option of transgender individuals as corporators in municipal councils and corporations across the State, aiming to enhance representation and support for the community in local governance.
The salary deduction announcement was first made in October 2025 during the launch of day care centres for senior citizens in Hyderabad.
“If any employee fails to look after thier parents, 10 to 15 percent of his salary will be deducted and transferred to his parents’ accounts,” Reddy stated, indicating plans for legislation to enforce this measure. This comes in the wake of rising concerns over elderly neglect in urban settings, where modern lifestyles often challenge traditional family structures.
As part of these efforts, Reddy’s directive on transgender inclusion, announced on Monday, 12 January, extends the government’s welfare agenda to marginalised communities. The move involves appointing transgender persons as co-opted members in civic bodies to promote diversity and address community-specific issues. This initiative is in continuation of prior steps, such as employing transgender individuals as traffic volunteers in Hyderabad.
These policies are being positioned as part of a comprehensive strategy to support senior citizens and transgender individuals. The salary deduction proposal is likely to come under flak from employee unions over potential privacy violations and enforcement challenges.
Similarly, the transgender co-option his likely to be hailed by LGBTQI+ organisations as a progressive step, though details on selection criteria and implementation timelines remain unclear.
No firm dates have been set for introducing the salary-related legislation in the state assembly, but there are indications that it might be tabled soon. The transgender inclusion is expected to roll out in upcoming civic body sessions, potentially setting a precedent for other states.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
