Tynsong defends advisor role for former DGP

SHILLONG, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong defended the move of the state government to appoint former Director General of Police, R. Chandranathan as a security advisor.
He also defended the other political appointees.
“The retired DGP’s assignment is to follow up proposals in Delhi and be a link between the state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. We are not wasting money,” Tynsong said in response to the Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) that the government was on a political appointment spree while facing an acute financial crunch.
The state government appointed Chandranathan as a security advisor on a monthly salary of ₹75,000 along with perks and facilities.
Deflecting criticisms for appointing the most advisers, Tynsong said, “Engaging experienced people as advisors has been productive for the NPP-led government. Quite a few decisions have been taken because of the advisors.”
He said the government needs advisors and has been paying them a minimal token amount. “Accusing the government of wasting money on them is wrong,” he added.
The VPP had said it failed to understand why the government was spending money on appointing retired officials as advisors when teachers and other employees were not getting their salaries and dues for months together.