SHILLONG : Public Health Engineering (PHE) Chief Engineer R.S. Nongbri on Wednesday said he understands the grievances and hardships faced by muster roll workers and assured that his office is making every possible effort to resolve their issues.
Speaking to reporters, Nongbri said that most of the workers’ demands have already been forwarded to the Meghalaya government for consideration. He explained that the remaining matters are beyond the authority of the department and can only be addressed by the government.
“The government has its own procedures, and these processes take time. While the delay may cause frustration and disappointment among the workers, it does not mean that the department is sitting idle,” he said.
The Chief Engineer stated that the department has continued to pursue the matter with the government while also introducing the e-billing system for salary payments. According to him, the system has been implemented to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and proper documentation of every payment, thereby reducing the possibility of errors or irregularities.
Nongbri also acknowledged that the workers have every right to voice their concerns and demand solutions to their problems. However, he cautioned against any move to halt the state’s drinking water supply as part of their protest.
He warned that disrupting water supply services would directly affect lakhs of innocent residents across Meghalaya, who have no role in the ongoing dispute between the workers and the department.
The Chief Engineer appealed for patience and cooperation, assuring that the department remains committed to pursuing the matter with the government while ensuring uninterrupted essential services to the public.