SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of political parties and the various Dorbar Shnong of Shillong city and adjoining areas has expressed its strong disappointment over the failure of the MeECL to take corrective measures on the problem of inflated electricity bills despite the assurance given by the State Government.
“We are disappointed at the inaction of the MeECL to resolve the problem of inflated bills. Despite the assurance given by the Government, there is no action being taken at the ground level,” UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh told newsmen after the meeting of the JAC here on Tuesday.
He also questioned the MeECL for going ahead with the introduction of the spot billing system in new localities without holding consultation with the various Dorbar Shnong.
“We had insisted that consultation with the Dorbar Shnong is a must before MeECL decides to implement the spot billing system in new localities,” Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh informed that during the meeting on Tuesday, the JAC held detailed discussions on the complaints received from various localities regarding sudden interruption of power supply, problems relating to purchase of new metres by public consumers, non introduction of meter reading cards and deficit of manpower. The UDP legislator also highlighted the problem of long queues outside payment counters which has been causing lots of inconvenience to the general public and the unfriendly attitude of the MeECL employees towards the consumers at the time of payments of bills.
Lyngdoh also said that street lighting in several localities were unsatisfactory in spite of regular payment of taxes.
He also resented the fact that the billing counter at Nongthymmai remains open only for one day and that to on the last date of payment of the bills.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh said that they will be meeting the State Government sometime next week to discuss these matters.
“We would seek clarification from Power Minister Clement R Marak on the failure of the MeECL to comply with the assurance given during the last meeting to resolve the various problems faced by the poor consumers,” Lyngdoh added.