Homes without Heirs: NRI Migration, Changing Family Structures, and the Legal-Social Crisis of Elderly Care in Punjab’s Empty Villages

The rapid transformation of family structures in Punjab, driven largely by Non-Resident Indian (NRI) migration, has led to profound social and legal challenges, particularly in the sphere of elderly care. Traditional joint family systems that once ensured emotional, economic, and physical support for aging parents are increasingly replaced by nuclear and transnational families. In high out-migration districts such as Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, and Moga, villages are witnessing rising numbers of elderly persons living alone, resulting in what may be described as “empty villages.” This study examines the social consequences of migration-induced family separation alongside the legal frameworks governing elderly welfare. It critically analyses the implementation of laws such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which legally obligates children—including those residing abroad—to provide maintenance and care for their parents. The paper explores the gap between legal provisions and practical enforcement, particularly in cases involving NRIs, cross-border jurisdiction issues, property disputes, and delays in legal redress. Further, the research highlights emerging legal concerns related to property management, inheritance conflicts, misuse of power of attorney, and elder abuse, which disproportionately affect elderly individuals living alone in rural Punjab. While remittances from abroad enhance material security, they often fail to ensure legal protection, emotional well-being, or access to timely care. The absence of robust village-level legal awareness and institutional support exacerbates the vulnerability of senior citizens. By integrating sociological analysis with legal perspectives, this paper argues that the elderly care crisis in Punjab’s empty villages is not merely a social issue but also a matter of rights, legal accountability, and state responsibility. The study emphasises the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, legal literacy programs, NRI-sensitive policy frameworks, and community-based support systems to protect the dignity and welfare of the aging population. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving socially just and legally sustainable rural development in punjab