Four pressure groups have come out today against any move to privatise the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL).
In a joint statement, the Khasi Students Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) also warned against altering the state’s Land Transfer Act.
The four groups said that they were “shocked at the debate that was carried out in the recently-concluded Assembly session … that the government of Meghalaya is in the process of a total sell out of the MeECL to private players.”
Privatisation would only suit the “political and personal interests” of certain sections instead of the state as a whole.
The public sector utility provides direct and indirect employment to locals and the pressure groups fear that privatizing the company could lead to job losses.
Any move to monetize land belonging to MeECL through use by private players will also be opposed by the groups as this “will increase further influx and migration into the state.”
