\Editor,
Of late we see the plight of the employees of Meghalaya Electricity Corporation who are deprived of their timely receivables like reimbursement of medical expenses, travelling expenses, compensatory wages for working on holidays, allowances for working in shifts, over-time wages etc. The pensioners are not getting their retirement benefits, medical reimbursement, leave encashment benefits, gratuity etc. Of late, release of their pension is also being abnormally delayed.
The beneficiaries of MeECL (consumers) are also disgruntled because of poor quality of power supply though the electricity tariff is mounting.
The general public worry at the different levels of corruption surfacing from time to time. Those in the know are worried at the swift breakdown of its machinery, resulting in power interruptions and huge expenditure and colossal waste of water resources.
The reasons for all these shortcomings are glaringly visible in the prevailing work culture of its employees. They may cite the interference of politicians as the major reason; but if one visits the vital installations like power generating stations and Grid Substations that are the resources for its earning and improvement of its financial health, usually situated in remote areas, where 24 hours in a day is divided into three shifts of approximately 8 hours, and operational duty of each shift is to be performed by a set of employees of different grades, one will find the indifference of its employees there towards their duties. The set of employees who are supposed to work for 8 hours at a stretch are actually staying for days together at the work place, while others are enjoying holidays at their home in Shillong or other cities/towns; and this practice continues.
Even the repairs/maintenance staff who are supposed to be alert 24×7 are also casual like office-goers, in their approach. The quarters meant for these employees have been razed to the ground because of no occupancy. The consequences of all this is poor quality of operations and maintenance of the equipment that results in frequent breakdowns, because no person can be effectively attentive to his job for more than 10 hours at a stretch, in a day.
Though the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) – a control system architecture comprising computers, networked data communications and graphical user interface for high level supervision of machines and processes has made the operation of a system quite simple and easy, but tendency of lazy people is to ignore the warning signals that the parameters provide, for prompt attention, thus requiring nine stitches in place of one i.e. serious break-downs. Of course financial constraints in procurement of spares etc. and repair of components, also contribute to the improper upkeep of the installations. It’s a vicious circle.
Hence serious vigilance is to be exercised to restore the work-culture in MeECL, improve its working environment, both technically and logistically and exposing the employees to suitable training courses as per the manuals of the manufacturers of sophisticated equipment to empower them and eliminate their ignorance of handling such equipment.
Yours etc.,
Manoj Rai,
Via email
No Decorum in the Assembly
Editor,
In the recently concluded Assembly session the Opposition bench took up various matters especially on the educational front where we are way behind even in comparison with neighboring Assam. The most critical aspect was the statements being put up by the TMC MLA Mr. Himalaya M. Shangpliang who spoke at length about the educational sector that needs reforms. Sadly the State Education minister whose name we all know and also the Party he belongs to seems to take things lightly and made a mockery of himself and of the MDA government. If the UDP talks about bringing a stable government it is doubly doubtful with the kind of MLAs it has in the state assembly who do not take things seriously. The attitude of the Education Minister is highly objectionable. He does not show any interest towards the school teachers and the students which is why we have such a pathetic educational system. Such legislators should be shown the exit door in 2023.
Yours etc…
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar,
Via email
Covid expenses: Govt should come clean
Editor,
In the recent Assembly session the Covid expenditure was shown to be Rs 816.22 crores. This is an amount that is over the top whichever way we look at it. Sadly, this was not adequately discussed in the Assembly by members of the Opposition who do not seem to set any priorities for themselves. Somebody has right commented that some people make money out of disasters even while others are dying due to lack of medical attention. We hope and pray that something like Covid will not revisit us so that those with bad intentions of misutilising public funds don’t get the opportunity to do so. Rs 816 crores if judiciously used would have been adequate to complete the two medical colleges at Shillong and Tura.
The corruption in Meghalaya is abominable and the same people who are at the helm of wrongdoing and injustice are also respected church members. In fact, as we get into the polling season, the Church will use its clout to get its members elected. The Church has never condemned corruption. I wonder why the Church should have a problem only with the casino and gambling? Isn’t this a selective outrage? Or better still hypocrisy? It’s time for the Church to introspect into its acts of omission – omission to take up issues that afflict the poor that Christ was most drawn to. Today the Church is drawn to those with money and political power. How distant the Church is today from the teachings of Christ is all too visible! But truth shall prevail and those who believe they can get away with robbing the poor will be defeated in their evil intentions.
Yours etc.,
RJ Nongrum,
Via email