By Francis Khongwar
Shillong (Meghalaya),April 26 : The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) today expressed resentment over the manner in which M.K. Chettri, Chief Engineer (WZ) was appointed as the Director (Distribution) of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd by the state Government.
The organization stated that there are five engineers in the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) belonging to both electrical and civil Engineering Wings, who are far senior to Chettri in terms of service.
The said Chief Engineers who have been superseded by Chettri are Apbor Kharprang, B. Khonglah, Rocket Syiem, T.R. Pdah and Herman Massar . Moreover ,M.K. Chettri had superseded M.Marbaniang from the post Additional Chief Engineer to Chief Engineer on March 9 ,last year .
The FKJGP said ,the senior engineers have good credibility and track record and the seniors have been intentionally left out with a malicious intention to accommodate M.K. Chettri despite the names of the three of them been recommended by MeECL Corporate Affairs to the Power Department for the post of Director (Distribution) Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd.
They alleged that the appointment of Chettri as Director (Distribution) Meghalaya Distribution Corporation Ltd is in total violation of seniority rules and a clear case of favoritism and is also a direct insult to the local tribal Engineers in the MeECL , besides demoralizing the rank and file in the MeECL and all its subsidiaries.
The FKJGP has demanded revocation of the appointment of Chettri for the post of Director (Distribution), and appointment of only the deserving candidates for the said post based on their seniority.
The FKJGP has apprised the Meghalaya Power Minister, James K. Sangma on the need to stop the load shedding, as the students preparing for their final examinations .
Speaking to the media, Meghalaya Power Minister, James K. Sangma said that the state Government will continue to three-hour load shedding during night time and for many hours for the industries.
The Minister said that the 120 MW Umngot Hydro Electric Project , when implemented will ease the power crisis in the state. He said the Government will not bull doze anyone in the implementation of the power project and everyone will be taken on board and compensation with be given to the effected land owners.
People residing around the Umngot River said they will stall the implementation of the project as the compensation offered by the Government will not be sufficient for the present generation .
