By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem has expressed optimism that the state government will soon release the third and final installment of dues for the employees of Mawmluh Cherra Cements Limited (MCCL).
The Mawmluh Cherra Cements Employees’ Union (MCCEU) had recently petitioned the government to release the remaining funds. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mylliem noted that while the government had originally committed to clearing the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) payments over three financial years, it has already cleared two installments within a single year. “We are thankful that the government has cleared two installments so far, and we hope the final installment will be released soon,” Mylliem said.
The state government decided to shut down the iconic plant in 2023, opting for a “golden handshake” for permanent employees after several attempts to revive the project failed despite significant investment.
According to the MLA, the total financial implication for the VRS exceeds Rs 100 crore. The government is now required to clear approximately Rs 27 crore under the third installment to settle the dues.
Established in the early 1960s in limestone-rich Sohra, MCCL was Meghalaya’s oldest public sector undertaking and its only state-owned cement plant. The land on which the plant is situated belongs to Hima Sohra.
