Shillong, Aug 4: Big Industries in Umiam and Byrnihat industrial areas have alleged not paid their electricity bills amounting to almost Rs. 44 crores since 2005. Citing an RTI reply from the Chief Engineer of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), the National Hynniewtrep People Federation (NHPF) on Thursday alleged that the industries in the two industrial areas have not paid their electricity bills since 2005.

Speaking to media persons, NHPF president Andreas Nongkynrih informed that the report of the RTI from MePDCL indicates that 36 industries in Umiam and 22 industries in Byrnihat area have not paid their bills, amounting to more than Rs. 44.57 crores.

“As per the RTI report, the outstanding dues of Umiam industries is Rs. 2.45 crores and in Byrnihat industries the dues is Rs. 42.45 crores and when calculated all together, the outstanding bill of these industries is amounting to more Rs. 44.57 crores,” he said.

Nongkynrih said that the people of the state especially of Ribhoi district cannot accept the attitude of the power department or the MeDPCL to waive off the huge outstanding dues of the industries.

He said when it comes to the common people, the power department especially the MePDCL is always in a hurry to disconnect the power supply when one cannot pay the bills of merely thousand rupees.