The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited has discontinued payment of pension, gratuity and other terminal benefits to the retired employees.
“…the MeECL is not in a position to make payments towards terminal liability to the pensioners, family pensioners like Pension, Gratuity, leave encashment and medical benefit since the same will be in violation of the Hon’ble Commission’s directions,” the MeECL stated in a letter to the Secretary of the Meghalaya Power Department.
However, the MeECL, in its letter to the Meghalaya Power Department has suggested measures “considering the interest of the pensioners”.
“Considering the interest of the pensioners, it is of the view that the State Government consider the following measure, if desired: i) To allocate fund for payment of monthly salary and other terminal benefit, ii) To arrange for payment of Corpus to the MeECL Pension Trust, iii) To give appropriate Direction to the MSERC to allow the same expenditure in the Tariff,” the MeECL stated.
Also read: Meghalaya: FIR filed against NPP MLA Thomas Sangma, accused of rape
The Meghalaya Power Department has meanwhile taken up the matter with the MSERC for reconsideration.
“It is also being informed to the Finance (Economic Affairs) Department as terminal benefits to the tune of Rs 840 crores as on 31.03.2010 were payable by the State Government since the time of unbundling of MSEB (Meghalaya State Electricity Board),” the Meghalaya Power Department has stated in a statement.
“Finance Department and the State Government is processing early resolution of the emergent problem,” the Meghalaya Power Department added.
Meanwhile, sources informed Northeast Now that disbursement of at least two months pensions to the retired employees is still pending.