REC Limited, a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has successfully facilitated a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) and the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI).

The MoU was signed by MePDCL and CPRI in the presence of Dr Shakeel P. Ahammed, Meghalaya Chief Secretary; Jitendra Srivastava, CMD, REC; Dr J Sreedevi, DG, CPRI; Prince Dhawan, ED, REC; Subhendu Roy, CPM Guwahati, REC, and other senior officials from MePDCL, CPRI, and REC.

This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening the quality assurance mechanism for power distribution infrastructure in Meghalaya and the entire North-East India, particularly under the flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Key Highlights of the Collaboration:

NABL Accreditation Goal: The primary aim of the MoU is to establish a NABL-accredited testing facility within Meghalaya, addressing the critical logistical challenges and delays faced by North Eastern States in sending materials for quality testing to distant laboratories.

CPRI’s Technical Leadership: CPRI, a premier research and development organisation in the power sector, will provide comprehensive consultancy and technical support. This includes preparing detailed specifications for procurement, guiding documentation, and offering supervisory support to ensure MePDCL's facility is fully equipped and prepared for NABL inspection.

REC Limited’s Mediation and Support: As the Nodal Agency for the RDSS, REC Limited played a pivotal role in facilitating this agreement, reinforcing its commitment to strict quality control and timely execution of scheme projects. The local availability of a NABL-accredited lab is expected to significantly expedite the Field Material Quality Testing and Inspection (FMQI) process, which has previously been delayed due to the need to transport heavy equipment like Distribution Transformers (DTRs) across long distances.

Boosting Local Capacity: MePDCL will provide the necessary testing equipment (including specialised instruments like HV test benches and frequency meters), calibration of existing assets, and preparation of the facility. This initiative will not only improve material quality but also strengthen local technical expertise through training and support by CPRI officials.

Dr Shakeel P. Ahammed, Meghalaya Chief Secretary said, "This initiative will bolster the pace of works under RDSS and will also help MePDCL build in-house testing capacity. He appreciated the efforts of MePDCL to ensure quality certification of power infrastructure being built under RDSS"

Jitendra Srivastava, CMD, REC said, "This MoU marks a milestone in overcoming the geographic hurdles that often impede rapid quality assessment in the North Eastern Region. By facilitating the establishment of a local, NABL-accredited facility through this partnership, we are ensuring that RDSS projects in Meghalaya meet the highest standards of material quality and are executed efficiently, thereby benefiting the consumers directly."

The REC CMD also thanked the efforts of Shri Sanjay Goyal, CMD, MeECL, and Shri Prince Dhawan, ED, REC, for their contributions.

This agreement underscores the collective commitment of MePDCL, CPRI, and REC Limited to enhancing power system reliability and service delivery for the people of Meghalaya.