NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved a wider definition of ‘family’ for the allotment of government accommodation to defence services officers, a move that will benefit all officers including women whose parents are staying with them, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
“The revised definition includes parents, dependent siblings, and legally adopted children, in addition to the existing coverage of spouse and dependent children/step-children. The expanded definition is expected to benefit all service officers, including single women officers residing with their parents,” it said in a statement.
The decision takes into account the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, and recognises the evolving nature of family responsibilities and caregiving arrangements, it said. “It underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, family well-being, and the strengthening of social and inter-generational bonds.”