New Delhi: REC Limited has facilitated a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) and the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) to establish a NABL-accredited testing facility in Meghalaya. The initiative aims to enhance quality assurance for power distribution infrastructure under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), especially in the North-Eastern region.
The MoU has been signed in the presence of Dr Shakeel P Ahammed, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya; Jitendra Srivastava, CMD of REC LImited; Dr J Sreedevi, DG, CPRI; Prince Dhawan, ED, REC; Subhendu Roy, CPM Guwahati, REC; and senior officials from MePDCL, CPRI and REC. The agreement is expected to significantly ease the logistical challenges currently faced by North-Eastern states, which rely on distant laboratories for testing heavy equipment such as distribution transformers.
Under the partnership, CPRI will provide complete consultancy and technical support to establish the testing facility, including assistance in preparing procurement specifications, documentation and supervisory guidance to align the laboratory with NABL requirements. REC, as the nodal agency for RDSS, played a pivotal role in bringing the two organisations together, with the new facility expected to expedite Field Material Quality Testing and Inspection (FMQI) activities and support timely execution of RDSS projects across Meghalaya.
MePDCL will be responsible for procuring and installing essential testing equipment, including HV test benches, frequency meters and calibration tools, as well as preparing the facility for inspection. The collaboration will also focus on strengthening local technical capacity through training and mentoring by CPRI experts, helping the state build self-sufficiency in material testing and quality assurance.
Speaking at the event, Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr. Shakeel P. Ahammed said the initiative will accelerate RDSS implementation and help MePDCL build robust in-house testing capabilities. REC CMD Shri Jitendra Srivastava said the agreement addresses key geographical constraints that have hindered rapid quality assessment in the North-East, adding that the establishment of a local NABL-accredited facility will ensure that RDSS projects meet the highest quality standards and deliver direct benefits to consumers. He also acknowledged the efforts of Sanjay Goyal, CMD, MeECL, and Prince Dhawan, ED, REC.
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