By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: The Mawmluh Cherra Cements Employees Union (MCCEU) has appealed to the state government to extend financial assistance to MCCL workers serving as contractual staff, trainees and other non-regular employees, stressing that they too need support to sustain their families.
After submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday, MCCEU president Pynskhem Lyngdoh told reporters that while the union is grateful for the timely release of scheme funds for MCCL workers, the government must now consider the plight of those who remain outside the purview of full-time employment.
Lyngdoh urged the Chief Minister to release the last instalment of the sanctioned funds without further delay, saying workers are depending on it to meet household needs. He added that completing the disbursement within this year would greatly ease the financial burden on employees.
He said many contractual workers and trainees have served the company for years and deserve the same consideration as permanent employees.
Once the remaining funds are released, he said, MCCL workers—particularly those in non-regular roles—would be able to better support their families and contribute to the community.
MCCEU secretary Arnold L Thabah echoed the appeal, noting that although the government has already provided substantial assistance, the final instalment remains pending. With Sohra experiencing rapid growth in tourism, Thabah said many MCCL workers are now diversifying into tourism-related activities, and the release of the remaining funds would be a major boost.
However, he expressed uncertainty about whether the government has any specific plan for contractual workers and trainees.
Thabah stressed that these employees have played an instrumental role in MCCL’s functioning for many years and deserve government support.
MCCEU secretary suggested that the government could explore options within tourism and other ongoing projects to create opportunities or provide special allocations for these workers, many of whom have families solely dependent on their income.
