SHILLONG: HSPDP legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has questioned on the proposal of the MeECL to increase the power tariff by more than five times.
“MeECL is planning to increase power tariff from the existing Rs 35 to Rs 200 per kilowatt which is totally unjustified,” Basaiawmoit said while participating in the discussion on the Governor’s address during the Budget session of the Assembly on Monday.
He said that the power tariff instead should have been reduced due to the frequent power disruptions and load-shedding.
The HSPDP legislator observed that the Government has claimed that the power supply in the State would be augmented once the three stages of Leshka Myntdu Hydel Project were fully operational.
“Taking into consideration the present situation, the funds which have been pumped into this hydel project are a total waste since it has not help to improve the power scenario,” Basaiawmoit said
Echoing similar views, UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh said that the Government had been making tall claims that the power scenario in the State would be drastically improved with the implementation of various power projects.
“But sadly, none of the projects which the Government had identified has taken off. The present power crisis which is prevailing in the State is due to poor management of our resources,” Mawthoh said.
He said that he had been informed that the MeECL has appending dues of Rs 650 crore with NEEPCO adding that he was not sure what would be the pending dues of the MeECL with other agencies.
Opposition leader and UDP legislator Dr Donkupar have also expressed concern over the prevailing power scenario in the State. “I would urge upon the MeECL not to impose load-shedding during the peak hours since it affects the economic activities of the State. Load-shedding can be imposed from 12 midnight till 5 am on a daily basis,” Dr Roy added.