Shillong, April 08: The recent decision by the Government of Meghalaya to authorize the Sai Company to oversee the operations of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MEECL) in the scenic Mawsynram region has sparked a whirlwind of concerns among the local population.
This strategic pivot comes on the heels of a troubling episode involving the Fedco company, which notoriously neglected to remit a staggering ₹40 crores in electricity bill payments that it had collected from approximately 18,000 households.
This disconcerting history only amplifies existing worries about the effectiveness and accountability of private entities that are entrusted with the management of essential public services in our region.
Residents are increasingly alarmed, questioning whether the state government undertook a thorough risk assessment prior to this transition. There are rising concerns about whether adequate measures have been taken to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. The veil of secrecy surrounding the rationale behind this decision has fuelled widespread scepticism and distrust within the community.
As representatives of the Hito organization, we wish to express our deep dissatisfaction with the government’s choice to transfer management responsibilities to the Sai Company. They firmly believe that MEECL possesses not only the capability but also the necessary resources to operate efficiently and effectively without the oversight of an external management body.
The transfer of these vital operations raises critical questions regarding the role of engineering officials in this decision-making process and the underlying motivations driving this shift.
On June 22, 2025, we took the initiative to arrange a meeting with the Power Minister to articulate our concerns comprehensively. During this crucial engagement, we passionately urged the Minister to take immediate and decisive action, advocating for the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Fedco due to their failure to provide proper compensation to MEECL.
HITO foremost objective is to facilitate the swift return of operational control to MEECL in the Mawsynram division, ensuring that the management of our energy supply remains firmly in the hands of a reliable entity that is genuinely accountable to the public.
It is disheartening to observe that, despite our persistent efforts to engage constructively with government officials, no significant action has been taken against Fedco. Instead, the government appears to be extending an olive branch to the Sai Company, a decision that has been met with a wave of scepticism and distrust within the community.
HITO passionately urge the government to heed the urgent demands of the public and to implement the necessary actions before residents feel compelled to take to the streets in search of justice.
It is imperative that their voices are not only heard but actively acknowledged, ensuring that the management of our energy resources aligns seamlessly with the pressing needs and aspirations of our community said Mr. Risingstar Marweiñ Secretary Hito Southern Border Area.
