Meghalaya deputy CM rules out privatisation of power sector

Addressing the media, Prestone stated that even if the bill is passed, the onus to implement it lies with the state government.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone in-charge power Prestone Tynsong has ruled out any move to privatize the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) in the backdrop of the tabling of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, in the Parliament.

Addressing the media, Prestone stated that even if the bill is passed, the onus to implement it lies with the state government.

Well, Prestone Tynsong said that there was no reason for the employees to worry as every state has a DISCOM under its control.

However, Prestone added that if at all privatization has to take place, it will be solely based on the wishes of the employees.

It may be mentioned here that Prestone Tynsong’s response came in the wake of the recent protest staged by the Coordination Committee of Registered MeECL Associations and Unions or CCORMAU against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022.

The MeECL employees raised slogans against the Centre’s move to privatize the power sector.

Meanwhile, Prestone Tynsong, while responding to the low rank of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited or MePDCL, said that it was not only Meghalaya but other states of the northeast too that have been graded low so far as distribution companies or DISCOMs are concerned.

Worth mentioning that here, the MePDCL has been placed at rank 52 with a D grading in the 10th Integrated Rating exercise covering 71 power distribution companies across the country.

Blaming the liabilities and outstanding debts of the MeECL for the poor performance, Tynsong said it is imperative to bail out the MeECL, and reforms have already started to take place. Well, the cabinet had already decided to appoint a technocrat to head the MeECL.

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