GoGs NOT A SPY AGENCY, ONLY MEANT TO ASSIST GOVT: PUNJAB CM

Chandigarh, March 27, 2018: Dismissing Opposition criticism of the scheme, Punjab Chief Minister on Thursday said the Guardians of Governance were not a spy agency but only there to assist the government in efficient conduct of administration and ensuring proper utilisation of funds earmarked for public welfare.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Captain Amarinder Singh rubbished the criticism by some members and said the GoGs were not members of an espionage unit but committed ex-servicemen appointed to support the government’s aim of ensuring that its welfare initiatives reach the deserving beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister informed the House that 3000 ex-Servicemen had been appointed across the state to monitor and supervise government schemes, and to suggest corrective measures wherever necessary. Such suggestions, he said, would go a long way in further ensuring optimum utilisation of all government funds meant for the citizens.

Captain Amarinder Singh recalled the remarks of Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on misuse of funds meant for Kashmir’s development and welfare to defend the GoG scheme, which was now fully covering six districts and also partially covering 16 others. The scheme would be expanded to cover all districts in 2018-19, he added.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the GoGs do not implement any programme but facilitate in proper and effective implementation by checking any malpractices in the utilization of funds. They are meant to work with the elected representatives at the grassroots and not to replace them, he added.