Guwahati

In a first such experiment, the State of Assam has introduced a special of New Year for its government employees. They are given two days off to spend time with their elderly parents!

The Assam government has decided to give special holidays to its employees, bureaucrats and ministers on January 6 and 7. In this period they would be spending time with their elderly parents, in-laws or well-wishers. With the weekend- January 8 and 9 being holidays, a family will get four days to be together. The employees can even take two days leave, in case they wish to extend it.

However, senior officials will have to provide pictures to show they spent time with their elderly parents or in-laws on their return from vacation. They will have to submit at least 12 photographs, and employees who do not have parents or in-laws will not be able to take advantage of this 'offer'.

This experiment in the brainchild of Chief Minister Dr Hemanta Biswa Sarma, and is obviously aimed at strengthen the family bonds. Besides it’s to present a human face of his government.

Sarma said on Twitter: "I urge the employees to make an appointment with their parents or in-laws on January 6 and 7. January 8 and 9, respectively. And because it is a Sunday, employees will have the opportunity to spend time with their families for four days in a row. We want employees, including ministers and senior government officials, to take advantage of this.

To uphold ancient Indian values, I urge Assam Govt employees to spend quality time with their parents/in-laws on Jan 6 & 7, 2022 designated as spl leave.

I request them to rededicate themselves to the cause of building a New Assam & New India with blessings of their parents. pic.twitter.com/hZ2iwbgKoB

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 2, 2022

He added, "The state government is launching a portal for this purpose where government employees will be able to upload holiday photos with their elders. Salary will be deducted for not providing photo proof."

According to a recent report, more than 18% of the elderly in India suffer from depression and about 45% of people between the ages of 70 and 80 need to seek the services of a psychologist at some point.

According to the 2011 census, there were 104 million people aged 60 and over in the country. According to the National Statistics Organization (NSO), this number has reached 138 million in 2021 and is projected to reach 194 million by 2031 and 31 million by 2050.