BBMB recruitment rules amended: Punjab, Haryana lose mandatory representation in top posts
The Centre has amended Bhakra Beas Management Board recruitment rules, removing mandatory representation of Punjab and Haryana in key posts, sparking concerns over control of water and power resources
PTC Web Desk: The Centre has amended the recruitment rules for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), introducing significant changes that have triggered concern in Punjab and Haryana.
According to the revised provisions, the Union Government has modified the eligibility criteria for the key posts of Member (Irrigation) and Member (Power). With the new amendments in place, officers from across the country are now eligible to apply for these two crucial positions, marking a departure from the earlier state-specific framework.
The changes have been implemented through amendments to the BBMB Rules, 1974, effectively altering the selection process for top-level appointments within the board. Under the new system, appointments will be made purely on the basis of merit and qualifications, opening the door for candidates beyond Punjab and Haryana.
Earlier, the rules mandated that one official each from Punjab and Haryana be appointed to these posts, ensuring balanced representation of the partner states in the BBMB’s functioning. However, the latest revisions have removed this requirement, eliminating the provision for state-wise representation.
The move is being viewed as a major shift in policy, with officials and stakeholders in both states expressing apprehension over the potential dilution of their role in the management of shared water and power resources.
The BBMB plays a critical role in regulating water distribution and hydropower generation from key projects such as the Bhakra Dam and the Beas system, making the composition of its leadership a sensitive issue for the region.