By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 24: Members of the Assembly on Tuesday questioned the government on measures to ensure local employment priority in power projects under the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), focusing on recruitment policies and the impact of outsourcing.
UDP MLA Paul Lyngdoh raised concerns over the functioning of MeECL and sought details on the institutional framework used to monitor local employment commitments.
Responding during Question Hour, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh stated that direct employment in hydropower projects is provided to project-affected families for Category C and D posts, subject to qualifications. Other vacancies are filled through transparent procedures in line with the state reservation policy.
The minister explained that the monitoring framework includes internal oversight by land acquisition authorities and external verification by third-party auditors. He also noted that the state cabinet has accepted the findings of an independent inquiry committee, led by retired Justice R.N. Mishra, which identified systemic deficiencies in MeECL’s human resource management.
Clarifying the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2024, the Minister confirmed that it provides for 90 per cent reservation for locals in non-managerial posts and 50 per cent in managerial roles.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma added that these employment provisions are linked to government incentives and implemented via the state’s investment clearance system. He clarified that outsourcing is generally limited to administrative or security roles and does not affect job commitments made to families displaced by power projects.
VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit questioned if outsourcing lower-rank categories would undermine guarantees for landowners. The Power Minister replied that employment terms are project-specific and established during public hearings. He explained that landowners are initially engaged on a contractual basis due to procedural requirements but are regularised once posts are sanctioned.
The chief minister concluded by stating that the majority of regular and contractual employees in existing hydropower projects are locals, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding local interests in the sector.
