SHILLONG, June 3: After a youth body, KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum has now come out in opposition to the proposal of the state government to hand over MeECL’s ‘performing assets’ — Shillong and Jowai distribution circles — to Rural Electrification Corporation Power Distribution Company Limited (RECPDCL).
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Adelbert has questioned the intention of the government to lease out 56 sub-stations, sell out Shillong and Jowai distribution circles, besides leasing the Leshka and New Umtru power stations to private firms.
He questioned as to why the current dispensation is so interested and busy in selling out all the assets of the state, especially performing assets/profit-making centres of MeECL to private firms from outside the state. Nongrum also questioned why Tura Distribution Circle was left out.
Talking from the point of view of workers and staff, the KHNAM MLA voiced concern over benefits received as part of the pension plans, while also pointing out that engaging private parties will affect the employment opportunities for local youths.
The MLA also alleged that the decision has been taken by the chief minister and power minister alone.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Mawlai, PT Sawkmie, has lauded the MLAs from Jaintia Hills for raising voice against the proposal of the government to hand over the distribution circle in Jowai to a private firm.
“My question is that will the MLAs withdraw support from the government and also step down as cabinet ministers if the government goes ahead with this proposal,” Sawkmie said.
Earlier, even former Nongkrem MDC, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, had objected to the proposal to engage RECPDCL as the distribution franchisee in MePDCL.
It may be mentioned that as per the proposal, 25 per cent of the total area of operation of MePDCL would be handed over to RECPDCL, following which the latter will provide electricity to every household in the two distribution circles including billing and revenue collection, besides handling all operations and maintenance as well as consumer support and care.
