The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has expressed strong objection to a proposal for introducing performance-based promotions in the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL), stating that the move could undermine the established service structure of the department.
In a statement issued by Secretary-General Elangbam Praveenkumar, MIYC raised concern over a letter dated February 18, 2026 submitted by the Managing Director of MSPDCL to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh proposing performance-based promotions for the posts of General Manager and Executive Director.
According to MIYC, the proposal misinterprets the provisions of the MSPDCL Human Resource Policy. The organisation stated that the existing policy clearly provides that promotions from Assistant Manager up to General Manager should follow a common gradation or seniority list. It added that while 10 percent of vacancies may be reserved for “absolute performers”, the remaining 90 percent must be filled on merit among eligible candidates, with seniority used as the tie-breaker when candidates obtain equal merit points.
MIYC stated that portraying the policy as supporting a predominantly performance-based promotion system is misleading and inconsistent with the actual provisions of the HR policy.
The organisation warned that implementing such a proposal could undermine the seniority-based cadre structure of MSPDCL, bypass experienced officers, and create resentment among employees whose promotional avenues are governed by established service rules.
It also cautioned that a vague performance-based system without clear and transparent evaluation mechanisms could encourage favouritism, nepotism and administrative manipulation.
MIYC further urged the Chief Minister to reject the proposal and ensure that promotions in MSPDCL continue to follow the existing HR policy and service rules. The organisation also criticised the Managing Director for directly addressing the Chief Minister on the issue while allegedly bypassing the established administrative channel through the Commissioner (Power).
Reiterating that MSPDCL employees are central to the state’s power infrastructure, MIYC called on the government to protect their legitimate promotional rights and maintain transparency and accountability in public sector administration.