Predilections of the MDA Government

The precipitous removal of the CMD, MeECL, Arun Kembhavi was perhaps inevitable. The choice was between him and the Power Minister. If the MeECL needs an independent investigation at this juncture the protocol is that those with decision-making powers need to be removed from their posts to enable a free and fair probe. Curiously, the Power Minister, without whose consent nothing can happen in the MeECL is hanging on to his portfolio. The mountains of problems in the MeECL did not have their genesis with the MDA Government; they have only aggravated. There have been bad power deals signed during the MUA Government which continue to burden the Corporation.
The major problem with MeECL is that it is a faux Corporation. It is neither governed by corporate governance rules nor run like one. There is constant government interference particularly when it comes to employment and decisions about who to award contracts to. That’s because MeECL is heavily dependent on the Government to bail it out financially since its monthly expenditures far exceed its income. Government interference is inescapable. Amongst other grievances the present CMD and Power Minister have been accused by the MeECL Engineers’ Association of favouring M/S Satnam Global Infraprojects Ltd to supply materials for the much vaunted Saubhagya Scheme promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing electricity to every household in the country. The rates approved for Satnam Global Infraprojects were over 100 per cent above the MeECL approved rates. The entire contract worked out to Rs 255.59 crores for the Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi regions only. Interestingly even the price of cement was quoted at Rs 857.27 when per bag when the market rate for cement is Rs 360 only per bag. This price difference calls for an explanation and an investigation. And in this case the CMD alone could not have made the business decisions. The buck stops at the door of the Power Minister.
The convention followed for appointment of CMD, MeECL is that the person should be a senior officer of the rank of Chief Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary. This convention was violated twice by the MDA Government. Allegations are that junior and middle level officers are easily manipulated and cannot stand their ground. In other power corporations, the CMD usually holds a degree in electronics engineering with a grasp on finances and management. The job is not a part-time one as is the practice in Meghalaya, the lone exception being when Mr VS Jafa was full time Chairman of the then MeSEB. The MeECL needs tight handling but if it is run like a fiefdom by some in the Government the Corporation is looking at imminent collapse.