Groups want removal of MePDCL official

SHILLONG, May 3: Four pressure groups — FKJGP, KSU, HNYF and RBYF — have demanded the ouster of MK Chettri from the post of Director (Distribution) of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), who was appointed on April 22 last. They have also threatened to agitate if the government fails to relent to the demand.
“We strongly oppose the appointment of Chettri since the government had overlooked five senior officers who are capable to be appointed as the Director (Distribution) of MePDCL,” they said in a joint statement issued on Monday.
They also questioned the policy of the NPP-led MDA Government of bringing people from outside instead of appointing senior officers who fitter to serve in the capacity of the director.
“We strongly suspect that the government is trying to cover up the alleged irregularities and corruption in the MeECL by appointing people from outside the state,” the organisations said.
They also warned of exposing the scam in the Power department.
On the other hand, the organisations have vehemently expressed their opposition to the allotment of the contract to M/S Broadcasting Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for the operation and maintenance of the 56 sub-stations without calling of the tender or Expression of Interest (EOI).
“The government should have called for an open tender or EOI so that various companies could have participated. This clearly reflects on the lack of transparency of this government. It also gives an impression that this decision was taken to serve the vested of someone,” they said.
According to the groups, this will also deny opportunities to the local youths who are capable of taking up the work for the maintenance and operation of the sub-stations.