Meghalaya Power Minister Denies Privatisation of MeECL, Addresses Smart Meter and Franchisee Issues

Ukhrul, Jan 23: Meghalaya Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal said today that there is no attempt on the part of the government to privatise the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

Also Read | Manipur CM Warns of Strict Action Against Social Media Misuse

His statement came after a delegation of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) sought clarification on the issue.

“As far as the issue of privatisation of MeECL is concerned, as of now, there is nothing like that – we are not going to privatise the MeECL,” Mondal told reporters after the meeting.

Also Read | Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches Key Projects at Conclave on Holistic Livestock Development in NE Region

“We are working to see that MeECL overcomes all the difficulties it is facing and improves its financial position. As per the consumer’s related issue on distribution, transmission and generation also is energized so that MeECL is in a better position,” he said.

The minister also stated that, previously, four sub-divisions were assigned to two franchisees—Chicomputers, which handles Dalu, and FEDCO, which oversees Phulbari, Nangal, and Mawsynram.

“As of now, the performance of the Chicomputers is very good. They don’t have any pending dues. But we are a little bit worried as far as FEDCO is concerned because dues are pending, and we have issued show cause notice to the extent of taking legal action against them or may be terminating them. All these things are going on, but these things are only for collection of bills,” he said.

Also Read | Nagaland Schools to Launch PRAHARI Clubs for Anti-Drug Awareness

Regarding the issue of smart meters, Mondal said that it is the mandate from the Union Government and the Ministry of Power to provide smart meters to every state, and all states are moving forward with the project. “We are also following the directives of the power department,” he added.

The minister then mentioned, “It is true that we raised this issue at the national conference of power ministers, where we stated that the rates set by the union government should be much lower. We have gone through two rounds of bidding, and both times the rates were higher. We have written to the concerned nodal agency from the government of India, and they told us to proceed.”

“We are in touch with the AG and will be writing to the government of India on whether to go ahead or not and on that basis accordingly, we will see,” he added.

Also Read | Tripura Start-Up Policy 2024 to Ignite Innovation and Growth

(Newmai News Network)