SHILLONG, Feb 5: The Mawmluh Cherra Cements Employees’ Union (MCCEU) on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to release financial assistance under the special scheme proposed for cement plant employees in two instalments.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Minister, MCCEU president Pynskhem Lyngdoh said the government had proposed to disburse the financial assistance in three installments over three years.
According to Lyngdoh, employees are expected to receive around Rs 14 lakh under the special scheme. However, he expressed concerns that receiving the amount in three installments would create financial difficulties for employees, as they would only get about Rs 4 lakh per year. “We urge the government to release 40% of the amount in the first installment and the remaining 60% within a year,” Lyngdoh said. However, he noted that the Chief Minister did not give any assurance, stating that he would review their demand.
Lyngdoh also mentioned that the first installment of the special scheme for MCCL employees was initially assured to be disbursed by the end of January.
“We have been assured that the first installment will be released at the earliest,” he added.
Meanwhile, MCCEU vice president SK Dkhar said they had requested the Chief Minister to implement projects within MCCL to provide livelihoods for employees who still have many years of service left.
He acknowledged the government’s decision to formally shut down MCCL by December 31, 2024, but emphasised the need to repurpose the existing infrastructure and machinery rather than abandon them entirely.
Dkhar suggested that the government explore the possibility of establishing an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) or vocational training center within MCCL, as the infrastructure is already in place. “Setting up an ITI will complement the National Institute of Technology (NIT), which has a permanent campus just a few kilometers from the MCCL plant,” he said.
He further noted that such a project would create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents.
Dkhar also pointed out that Mawmluh has become isolated since MCCL ceased operations.
“The area is no longer safe as it has become deserted, with little to no vehicle movement compared to when MCCL was operational,” he added.
