Shillong, Oct 31: The Shillong Senior Citizens Forum (SSCF) has decided to urge the state government to set up a tribunal to ensure effective implementation of the Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in Meghalaya.

At a press conference here on Wednesday, Forum’s president, Herman Nongrum said that the Act which is applicable across the country has mandated the setting up of a tribunal to look into the various grievances faced by the senior citizens.

“Since we are yet to know whether it (tribunal) has been set up in our state, we would soon approach the government for necessary action to ensure proper implementation of the Act,” he told reporters.

Nongrum said that the tribunal can take up cases where senior citizens are neglected by their families.

Stating there are many such cases, he said that some of the victims were getting care and support from churches.

The President further informed that the Forum, which was formed in June this year, would also demand enhancement of the old age pension.

“We feel Rs 250 is too less and we would like this amount to be increased to not less than Rs 1,000,” he said