The politics of Punjab has come to a boil after the Central Government made changes in the rules for appointment to two important posts in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Since the new notification issued by the Central Government on April 13, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab have opened a front against the Central Government and termed it as robbery on the rights of Punjab.
Actually, under the old system, Member (Irrigation) in BBMB was always appointed from Haryana and Member (Power) from Punjab. But according to the new notification of the Central Government, now officers from any state of the country can be appointed to these two important posts. Although, it is definitely written in the notification that applicants from these two states (Punjab and Haryana) will be given priority, but it is not mandatory that the appointment will be from these states only.
It is mandatory to have at least 5 years of work experience
For this, proper qualification has also been fixed. For Member (Irrigation), degree in Civil/Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university, 20 years of regular experience and at least one year of Chief Engineer experience is required. At the same time, it has been made mandatory for Member (Power) to have a degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, 20 years of experience and at least 5 years of working experience in a 66 KW power plant or transmission line.
‘This anti-Punjab decision and attack on the federal structure’
Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has reacted sharply to this step of the Central Government, calling it a completely ‘anti-Punjab decision’ and an ‘attack on the federal structure’ of the country. Seeking answers on this issue from the BJP leaders of Punjab, he has demanded the Central Government to immediately withdraw this decision.
‘Punjab’s rights are slowly being taken away’
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warding has also expressed strong objection. He said, “Slowly the rights of Punjab are being snatched away. First, for the security of Nangal Dam, Punjab Police was removed and CISF was deployed there. Then the posts of Chairman and now members are also being given to people from outside states, due to which Punjab’s stake is continuously weakening.” He advised the state government to talk to the Center on this issue and also fight a legal battle to protect the rights of Punjab.
Akali Dal accuses AAP and Center of collusion
Shiromani Akali Dal’s senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia directly targeted the state’s Aam Aadmi Party government on this issue. Majithia alleged that Bhagwant Maan There is some internal agreement between the government and the central government, under which Punjab’s rights in BBMB are being continuously compromised and the interests of the state are being weakened.