SHILLONG, April 25: Revolution Ïada La Ka Ri (RALKA) convener, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has demanded of the NPP-led MDA Government to constitute an independent and impartial inquiry into the allegations and counter-allegations in the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
In a statement on Sunday, Basaiawmoit maintained that the unpleasant situation in MeECL is now in the public domain.
Citing recent protests carried out by the MeECL employees’ unions, Basaiawmoit said questions are being raised on the modus operandi of MeECL. He added that the failures of MeECL were also raised by civil societies and political parties, including the UDP, recently. “This speaks volume about the fact that not everything is right in the functioning of the MeECL. As the saying goes, ‘there is no smoke without fire’,” he said. According to Basaiawmoit, it was also witnessed of late that authorities are pinning the blame on the officials of MeECL for the present crisis and the blame game is going on.
As concerned citizens, we would like to know exactly who is or are responsible for the current mess in the MeECL, he said.
“After having gone through various media reports and other information available to me, I would like to state that I fully endorse the statement made by Dr Jemino Mawthoh, for the removal of the power minister. I would also humbly request Dr Jemino Mawthoh and his party to seriously pursue this matter,” Basaiawmoit said.
Recalling that MeCEL, formerly known as MeSEB, was constituted in 1974 with a great sense of pride to cater to the needs of the state, he said that the Board was responsible for the coordinate development of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Meghalaya in a most efficient, reliable and economical manner.
Pointing out that the management of the then MeSEB was able to live up to the expectations during yesteryears, Basaiawmoit said that the energy production till 1990s was in surplus, thereby enabling the Corporation to even sell power to other states.
“However, it is very unfortunate that today, this Corporation is debt-ridden. It is no more in a position to generate power to even meet requirements within the state. This has compelled the state government to purchase energy from other companies like NEEPCO and others,” he bemoaned.
