Ex-MLA demands independent inquiry into MeECL mess

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 25, 2021

Former Nongkrem legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has demanded the MDA government to institute an independent inquiry into the corruption allegations against the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

Basaiawmoit, who is also the Convener of the Revolution Iada La Ka Ri, has also expressed support to the United Democratic Party’s demand for relieving the incumbent Power Minister James K Sangma from his current position. 

“As concerned citizens we would like to know exactly who are responsible for the present mess in MeCEL. Therefore, it would be proper for the government of the day to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into all these allegations and counter allegations,” Basaiawmoit said in a statement issued on Sunday.

He also said, “Further, for impartial and an independent inquiry to really take place it would be necessary for the incumbent minister incharge power to step aside.”

Stating that the unpleasant situation in MeCEL is now in the public domain, he said the state have lately been witnessing strikes, and protests being carried out by the MeCEL employees unions. 

“Questions are being asked on the style of functioning of MeCEL and its failure were raised by civil societies and even political parties, especially the UDP a major constituents in the present dispensation. This speaks volume of the fact that everything is not right in the functioning of MeCEL. As the saying goes, “there will be no smoke without fire”,” Basaiawmoit said.

“Lately, we have also seen that authorities are blaming the officials of MeCEL for present crisis and the blame game is going on,” he also added.

The former MLA said he fully endorsed the statement made by Dr Jemino Mawthoh general secretary of United Democratic Party, for the removal of the power minister from the department. 

“I would also humbly request Dr Jemino Mawthoh and his party, to seriously pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” he added.

Basaiawmoit also recalled that MeCEL formerly known as MeSEB, was constituted way back in 1974 with a great sense of pride to cater to the energy needs of the State. 

It was responsible for the co-ordinate development of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Meghalaya in a most efficient, reliable and economical manner. 

He said there is no doubt that the management of then MeSEB has been able to live up to the expectations in the early years of its existence. In fact, till 1990s energy production had been in surplus, which had enabled the Corporation to sell power to other States. 
“However, it is very unfortunate that today, this Corporation is debt-ridden. It is no more in a position to generate power to meet even requirements with in the state. This has compelled the state government to purchase energy from other companies like the NEEPCO and others,” the former MLA asserted.