SHILLONG: The state government has prohibited the move on the part of the MeECL Engineers’ Association to carry out strike on Tuesday over the suspension of a technical officer.
The MeECL CMD, A Nikhla, said the strikes in any essential services to the public is barred while warning that those found participating in the protest will be liable to action as per law.
Earlier, the MeECL Engineers’ Association cried foul over the suspension of the technical officer stating that it was “uncalled for”.
The CMD suspended ML Pohshna, resident engineer, for “negligence” in discharge of duty.
The CMD said that due to the failure of a transformer at MHLEP, Suchen, on July 21, the Myntdyu Leshka Hydro Electric Project was compromised, adding that the spare transformer installed on July 25 failed on the very next day forcing the shutdown of the affected unit.
The estimated loss on account of this failure amounts to Rs 26.8 lakh per day, the CMD said.
“The failure of two generator transformers points to negligence in the discharge of duty on part of the technical officer”, she added.
However, contradicting the Corporation chief, the Engineers’ Association said that since the transformer was in operation for many hours, its failure was purely an unforeseen incident which, with proper investigation, could be attributed to many external factors such as lightning surges, internal winding failures, real time loading etc.
“Hence, to conclude that there were lapses in responsibility and negligence of duty on the part of the officer is unjustified. His suspension order is uncalled for and perhaps might have been served arbitrarily in haste without ascertaining the facts,” the association said.
Nature of protest
Terming the action as “unjust”, the association informed that it will wear black badges on Tuesday, carry placards and stick banners in the offices, power stations and substations across the state, a statement from the association said.
“The MeECL Engineers’ Association would not be held responsible or accountable if any breakdown occurs during this period of protest or future course of agitations,” the statement added.