SHILLONG/ TURA, June 10: A day after Meghalaya government scrapped the idea of outsourcing MeECL distribution circles, Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) legislator Adelbert Nongrum has questioned whether the entire MeECL imbroglio is over even as he demanded of the government to clarify its stand on the demand for removal for removal of Power Minister and MeECL CMD.
It may be recalled that government has decided to provide 100% budgetary support to the Corporation to repay the Rs 1,345-crore Atmanirbhar loan. “Does this mean that the MeECL imbroglio is over because the plan to sell it has been shelved,” Nongrum asked, while alleging that Power Minister James Sangma, who was initially against the decision, “passed the buck to the Finance department”.
Continuing his tirade against the government, the MLA also slammed the delay on part of the MeECL to release the terminal benefits of retired employees of the Corporation.
Forum unhappy
The New Tura Development Forum (NTDF) has expressed disappointment over the non-payment of pension by the MePDCL to its retired employees at a time when the state is reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, the forum said that halting the payment of pension during such a critical time has resulted in financial crisis among the retired employees who are facing untold sufferings as they are solely dependent on their monthly pension for their daily needs.
“Being aged and senior citizens, their problems due to non-receipt of pensions may have serious consequences as they are vulnerable for various ailments. The older group of people is more vulnerable to attack by COVID-19 as per the advisories issued by the authorities from time to time. But if they are not in receipt of their pensions, how will they be able to follow the advisories without minimum required money with them?” the forum questioned, while urging the authorities to review their decision and continue the disbursement of the pension.
