Kannur (Keralam) | The chairman of the Kerala State Elderly Commission has said that senior citizens primarily face issues from within their own families and their welfare is only possible through a change in mindset of the society and families.

Commission chairperson advocate K Somaprasad was speaking after reviewing complaints during a sitting of the panel held at the Collectorate conference hall here, a statement issued by the district administration said.

Numerous complaints seeking justice for the elderly are being submitted to the Commission from various districts.

He also noted that tribunals have been established to ensure the protection of the elderly-based on the legislation passed by the central government in 2007-with Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) serving as presiding officers.

However, the current number of tribunals -- 27 -- is insufficient to resolve the rising volume of complaints, he said and suggested alternative mechanisms, like dedicated tribunals, to address the situation.

He further noted that the law allows for the recovery of property transferred to children if they fail to care for their parents, but the process involved takes considerable amount of time.

Somaprasad said that the Commission aims to resolve complaints brought before it as quickly as possible.

The Commission settles complaints only after conducting separate hearings and carefully listening to both the complainants and the other parties involved, he said.

"Issues faced by individuals over the age of sixty, such as the denial of rights, mistreatment, or neglect, can be reported to the Commission and it is not mandatory that the affected party has to file the complaint personally. Anyone can file a complaint on their behalf.

"The Commission will also initiate investigations on its own based on media reports and other information," he said.

Keralam is the first state in India to establish a dedicated Kerala State Elderly Commission under the Kerala Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025