SHILLONG: At a time when cement factories in East Jaintia Hills have resumed production following relaxation in lockdown norms, the Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) is yet to open its doors, leaving employees of the state-owned cement plant worried over their future. Besides tourism-related activities, several residents of Khliehshnong, Sohra are employees of the MCCL which is yet to resume operations. Speaking to The Shillong Times, headman of Khliehshnong, Dr. S. Kharwanlang informed that the last payment of salary by the MCCL to its workers was in March when each employee was paid Rs 6000.
The workers are currently not paid anything and production is also on hold in view of the lockdown. It may be mentioned that the state government has come under criticism as it has allowed the import of coal to various cement plants in East Jaintia Hills while nothing has been done to revive MCCL. Earlier on May 11, the Mawmluh Sirdarship had held a meeting to deliberate on the continued closure of MCCL since the commencement of the nationwide lockdown. The Durbar had stated that the MCCL management is reluctant to resume business even after the state government allowed private cement factories to resume operation. The state government is also facing a barrage of criticism for permitting cement plants in East Jaintia Hills to transport coal from Assam.
