SHILLONG, June 5: United Democratic Party (UDP) president and Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh said the state government should keep in mind the interest of people and the state before taking any decision on outsourcing the distribution circles of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC).
Lyngdoh told reporters on Saturday that he believes the government is working to find a solution.
“Whatever decision the government takes, it should keep in mind the interest of the Corporation, employees, people and the state,” he said, terming the issue as crucial.
He urged the government to examine the pros and cons before taking any decision.
Reacting to former MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit’s claim that the UDP has failed, Lyngdoh said the party will keep playing a constructive role. He pointed out that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma ordered an inquiry after he (Lyngdoh) had written a letter expressing concerns over the alleged irregularities in the MeECL.
Lyngdoh asserted that the UDP does not sit idle but always flags issues of government’s concern since the party is a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
The MDA is in a quandary over possible political fallout due to its move to introduce reforms in the debt-ridden MeECL. On one hand, there is a pressing need to bail out the Corporation and on the other hand, the government cannot annoy its constituents with any action.
All MLAs of ruling parties from Jaintia Hills, including two Cabinet Ministers, have united against any move to privatise or outsource the wings or distribution circles of the MeECL. Several MLAs from East Khasi Hills are also opposed to the outsourcing of any circle of the Corporation to the REC.
