The Meghalaya cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to the state’s excise rules, a move expected to generate an additional Rs 90 crore in revenue, officials said. The cabinet also accepted the independent inquiry committee report on Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited and gave its nod for the financial closure of major central power schemes. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the amendments were aimed at making the state more competitive with neighbouring states.
“We want our rates and pricing to reflect market realities. This will make us more attractive to consumers and increase our revenue,” he told reporters after the meeting. On the power sector, the cabinet formally accepted the independent inquiry committee report on Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL). The review covered procurement practices, AT&C losses and human resource management. Sangma said the report would be made public on the government’s website, adding, “We have directed the power department to take steps to implement the recommendations.”
The cabinet also approved financial closure for major central power schemes, including Saubhagya, DDUGJY and additional infrastructure projects. Power Minister A T Mondal noted that the MePDCL “carried out multiple levels of verification before submitting the final report. With this, the schemes stand formally closed at the financial level.”