SHILLONG, July 21: In a significant development that unfolded at the NEEPCO Auditorium here on Saturday, a day-long convention saw the merger of three unions into a single entity under the Registered Trade Union of NEEPCO (RTUN). The event brought together employees and workers from all parts of Northeast India operating under NEEPCO, consolidating the NEEPCO Workers Union, NEEPCO Employees Union, and the Federation of NEEPCO Employees Union under section 24 of the Trade Union Act.
The convention was attended by Subhash Kumar Roy, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Retd.), as an independent observer. The IR department also participated in the proceedings.
The evening session of the convention was graced by Cabinet Minister AL Hek, who served as the chief guest.
The event also featured Padma Shri awardee Patricia Mukhim as the guest of honour, alongside NEEPCO’s executive directors, senior officials, and members of the Meghalaya Government Employees Union and Meghalaya Bank Employees Association.
In his address, Hek emphasised that employees should consider themselves as owners of the company rather than just doing a 9 to 5 job. He highlighted the Northeast’s potential in hydro power and NEEPCO’s pivotal role, expressing his willingness to assist NEEPCO with any issues involving the state government and the Ministry of Power. He also spoke about the importance of clean energy and sustainability, urging the expansion of power projects in the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He reminded the audience about the value of time and punctuality.
Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, speaking at the event, underscored the importance of power in daily life and journalism. She emphasised the need for employees to take ownership of the company and its sustainable growth. Mukhim also addressed the issue of polluted rivers, urging NEEPCO management to implement a CSR scheme for cleaning water bodies and encouraged employees to protect these vital resources.
During the convention, Hek andMukhim presented mementoes to employees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their children’s academic achievements in various professional fields, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the parents within the corporation.
The Central Working Committee of the Registered Trade Union of NEEPCO (RTUN) was introduced to the esteemed gathering. The committee members are Kanu Priya Purkystha as Chairman (Apex Body); Pinaki Das as president; Joram Tamin and Poresh Kumar Nath as working presidents; DS Kurbah and Likha Arki as vice presidents; Britul Gogoi and Amit Kumar Dey as joint general secretaries; Nagu Nabam as assistant general secretary; Lobjang Phunchu, Bhaskar Jyoti Gogoi, Subranil Sengupta and Lalchhandama Changsan as zonal secretaries; Mintu Paul as office secretary; Debojit Bhattacherjee as treasurer; Utpal Handique as chief organizing secretary; Lichu Jumi Joram, Zohming Thanga, Biren Ch Nath and S Khelma as organising secretaries; Biswajit Dey as publicity secretary; Silpi Kar as culture and welfare secretary and others.
