SHILLONG, July 2: The Meghalaya government has released the third and final instalment of the one-time special industrial closure package for Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) employees, completing the Rs 90 crore settlement a year ahead of schedule, Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem said on Wednesday.

“Yes, the government released the third and final instalment of the amount due to the employees last week, and MCCL has also received this amount. Currently, they are in the process of releasing it to the employees of MCCL,” Mylliem said.

The state government had announced the closure scheme for MCCL employees in January 2025, with a commitment to disburse Rs 90 crore in three instalments over three financial years.

“The first instalment was released in March 2025 — around Rs 36 crore, which is 40% of the Rs 90 crore. The second instalment was made in July 2025, amounting to around Rs 27 crore, which is 30% of the Rs 90 crore. Finally, this month the government has released the last and final instalment, the third one, amounting to Rs 27 crore, which is around 30% of the Rs 90 crore,” he said.

Mylliem noted that the full payment was completed within two financial years instead of the promised three.

“Yes, the government had committed to completing the entire Rs 90 crore within three financial years in three instalments. But we are very happy that the government has completed the entire amount due to MCCL employees within just two financial years,” he said.

He thanked the MDA government for expediting the release.

“Therefore, we are very grateful to the MDA government under the leadership of the Chief Minister for listening to the request of the employees to release the entire amount at the earliest. It clearly indicates that the MDA government is a government that keeps its commitments,” Mylliem said. He added that pending dues to MCCL suppliers had also been cleared.

“I am happy to inform you that all the pending dues to suppliers of MCCL, be it coal or clay suppliers, that had been lying pending for many years, were settled during the early part of this financial year,” he said.

The MLA said the disbursement would help secure the livelihood of former MCCL employees.

“The release to the employees of MCCL will also enable them to utilize the amount received judiciously. This will help in ensuring a good livelihood for MCCL employees,” he added.