SHILLONG, June 3: The debt-ridden Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) is preparing to locate funds to clear helicopter bill of over Rs 20 lakh to the Transport department. This pertains to the then Power Minister, James Sangma’s travel.
Sources said since journey was undertaken, the payment will have to be made.
Recently, DD Shira, Joint Secretary of Power department, had written a letter to the Director (Distribution) of MePDCL with the subject “helicopter bill”, mentioning that the Transport department submitted a bill, amounting to Rs 20,82,208, against the official tour of the then Power Minister.
The letter states that if there is no fund available under the head of accounts concerned, the MePDCL should locate savings from any other head and clear the dues.
Sources said Sangma had availed of the service to save time during visits to difficult and far-flung areas, such as Nangalbibra and Leshka, where most power projects are located and important meetings and programmes used to take place.
