Ex-Nongkrem MLA slams UDP over Govt’s decision to sell MeECL to pvt companies

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 2, 2021

Former Nongkrem legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Wednesday slammed the United Democratic Party (UDP) for its failure to prevent the alleged complete sell out of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to private companies.  

In a statement, Basaiawmoit who is also the convener of the Revolution Iada La ka Ri said a very pertinent question to be asked is about the role of UDP, a major partner in the government.

“It (UDP) played an important part in the formation of this Ministry and also instrumental in making Conrad Sangma the Chief Minister. However, the Party has failed to prevent this complete sell out of MeECL to private Companies,” he said.

The former legislator also said that the UDP will do a great disservice and injustice to the people of Meghalaya in general and Khasi people in particular, if it allows the Chief Minister and the Power Minister to go ahead with their plan to sell MeECL to private parties.

“Therefore, the matter is in the hands of the UDP as a political party, to safeguard the interest of the people of the state,” he asserted.

His statement also came as a strong opposition against the decision of the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to lease out the distribution circles of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) to a company – RECPDCL.

Stating that political arrogance has now become the order of the day, and Meghalaya is no exception to this phenomenon, he said despite strong opposition from different quarters, insensitivity appears to be the dominant feature of the present ruling dispensation.

“Where on earth would you find a farmer that sells a rich and fertile land to others, and retains a barren one for himself. This is exactly what happens in our State where the Chief Minister and his government decides for an engagement of a distribution franchisee viz RECPDCL in MePDCL,” he said.

Basaiawmoit said the government and the MeECL chose two circles namely; Shillong Central Distribution Circle and Eastern Distribution Circle which are the most revenue earning circles in MeECL. What is the justification for this disastrous decision?

“It is rather surprising to learn that the government, especially the Chief Minister and the power minister, who are supposed to focus more on the plight of the common man in these times of crisis, seems more concerned and determined to privatise MeECL. Why are these two very important members of the Government so desperate to bring in private participation in the management of MeECL?” he asked.