MPWU opposes move to appoint new MeECL CMD

In a letter to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, MPWU general secretary R Majaw said, “(We) humbly request your good office not to give effect to the proposal for appointment of new Chairman-cum-Managing Director as express by the Deputy Chief Minister in the press briefing, but to consider our prayer for retaining DP Wahlang, as the chairman-cum-managing director of MeECL and its subsidiary company who infact has advanced very much ahead with the idea in helping to revamp MeECL.”

“The Union wholeheartedly urges the government to pause and re-think for a moment and allow the present CMD of MeECL to lend a hand to improve the overall development of the corporation,” he added.

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Power Prestone Tynsong had said, “We already reached the final stage of reformation of the MeECL…and the proposal will be placed in the next Cabinet meeting, for its approval.”

His statement came after the Independent Inquiry Committee had strongly recommended the state government to appoint a full time Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeELC) and to come up with new systems to look into the procurement aspects.

The Union stated that the matter is very sensitive and crucial in nature which will have a major impact in the functioning of the MeECL.

It also expressed apprehension against the intention of the government in making such crucial changes in the management, without any deliberation with the stakeholder who in turn would be affected with the said decision of the government.

Majaw informed that under the leadership/chairmanship of the present CMD for a period of almost eight months, it is evident that he has been able to address several issues relating to the corporation and its employees.

These include strengthening the administrative services in the holding company and its subsidiary company, such as, Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL), Meghalaya Power Transmissions Corporation Limited (MePTCL), making regular payments towards state and central Genco for Power Purchase dues in order to avoid regulation of power, on time disbursement of salaries and pensions, proper implementation of the ongoing scheme works and other schemes which are on the pipelines, release of payments towards contractor and suppliers etc.

“(We) feel that the sitting CMD is capable enough to revamp the corporation and resolve all other pending issues, provided sufficient time is given to him to mobilize the works as well as to strategize and improvise in uplifting the corporation, which is one of the most essential department of the state,” Majaw stated.

The union also hoped that the situation would not create compulsion to any mode of agitation.

By Our Reporter