Group opposes takeover of MePDCL distribution circles

SHILLONG, June 1: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has vehemently opposed the decision of the state government to hand over the two distribution circles to Rural Electrification Corporation Power Distribution Company Limited (RECPDCL) and demanded that the matter be kept in abeyance for now.
The two MePDCL distribution circles, namely Shillong Central Distribution Circle covering entire Shillong and adjoining areas under East Khasi Hills and the Eastern Distribution Circle which includes entire Jowai both urban and rural areas, have been proposed to be handed over to RECPDCL.
Maintaining that the HYC fails to understand the logic behind the government’s decision on leasing out two of its most profitable distribution circles in the state, HYC general secretary Roykupar Synrem remarked, “Is it a pre-conceived and pre-determined idea of selling off MeECL by deciding to hand over two most profitable areas of MeECL to a franchisee in a single day?”
“In fact, even an amateur entrepreneur would not sell nor lease his most profitable enterprise to any outside party as long as he is getting favorable/profitable returns from his business,” he reasoned.
Informing that there are around 2,000 employees under the aforementioned distribution circles, Synrem stated, “What will happen to them? Will they be forced to opt for compulsory retirement? What will be the fate of the contractual employees? These questions require answers from the government and the chief minister of the state.”
He said that in future, the recruitment of engineers, skilled and semi-skilled workers will become the prerogative of the RECPDCL, while questioning as to where the fresh and qualified engineering youths of the state would go.
“The HYC calls upon the legislators of UDP, PDF and HSPDP to oppose this move, provided they have no knowledge of this decision, or are they willing to keep mum and keep supporting the ideas of such public representatives who attended that meeting on the 23rd April, 2021, and agreed to the proposal of leasing out,” he said.
“Silent is consent. So these MLAs should choose their next steps,” Synrem added.
Informing that the process of handing over of the two distributions circles is going on in full swing, Synrem said, “We fail to comprehend how such a sensitive decision is taken by the chief minister and the power minister during this time knowing full well that this decision will have an adverse effect on the state as a whole”.
Cautioning the state government against taking decisions that are “anti-people and anti-youth”, Synrem said, “HYC will take a call if situations permit on how to oppose this decision of the government in the next few days and will not let anyone sell out MeECL to an outside parties either for a long term or short term period and will take all steps necessary in this regard”.