Can’t quantify returns of GoG drive: Adviser

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 6

Amid allegations that CM Capt Amarinder Singh’s flagship programme Guardians of Governance (GoG) is not bringing desired results despite over Rs 4.5 crore per month being pumped in for it, senior adviser to CM Lieut Gen TS Shergill (retd) argues that the returns of the scheme cannot be quantified.

So far no misuse of public funds, even if reported by the GoGs internally, in any village has been shared publicly. Besides, no ongoing duplicate/unwanted work has been stalled on the recommendation of around 4,000 ex-servicemen working under the scheme. Hence, no money has been saved. These ex-servicemen are getting Rs 11,000 each every month.

On the sidelines of a meeting with the GoGs in Jalandhar, Lieut Gen Shergill countered the allegations, “The honorarium is being given since the GoGs have to take care of four or five villages in the periphery and check mid-day meals of schools using their own vehicle. Moreover, we are only the eyes and ears of the government. We do not have any executive powers. Now that the GoGs will get the list of all works being sanctioned, including details of material to be used and funds for each project, they will be able to report well so that proper action can come.”

He added, “We already have a mobile app where the GoGs are reporting to us. Every complaint put in by the GoG is being reported to the CM, the DC concerned and the department. They have been asked to rate all projects from 1 to 5. If any project is getting the rating of just 1 or 2, we also ask for an explanation and comments in the app. We are also mulling training of the GoGs alongwith sarpanches at MGSIPA, Chandigarh.”

He said, “The quality of midday meals is better. Schoolteachers are coming on time. Contractors for works know that they are being watched. Recently, we got village-wise lists of all drug addicts made. Based on this, the government can plan its policy on the menace.”

He said, “Another achievement is getting village budget approved according to needs listed by each village. We sought top three priorities of each village through our GoGs. The orders for these projects might get issued within the next 15-20 days.”