Punjab’s Role in BBMB Undermined: RTI Unveils Long-Standing Disparities. An RTI query filed by Karnvir Shenty of Banur on September 15, 2024, has exposed systemic inequities in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The information reveals that since 2007, the pivotal role of Secretary has been exclusively occupied by officers from Haryana’s cadre, sidelining Punjab’s officers despite Punjab being the largest financial contributor to BBMB’s functioning. Similarly, Special Secretary has also been held by the officers from Himachal Pradesh since 2006 notwithstanding the fact that Himachal Pradesh has not paid financially to the BBMB operational systems.
It was established under the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 and regulates water in Bhakra Nangal and Beas Projects that cater to the power needs of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. According to the Act, Punjab and Haryana were provided with the shares of finances and benefits with a 58:42 ratio, and others got minor portions.
The RTI findings, however, reveal stark administrative inequities. Punjab, contributing a significantly larger share of the board’s expenditures, has been denied representation in top decision-making roles for decades. This exclusion is a direct contradiction to the principles of fairness and equity central to the BBMB’s mandate. Compounding this injustice, Punjab’s funds are disproportionately used to cover salaries for employees from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Traditionally, BBMB’s chairman was drawn from outside partner states for neutral purposes. However, in 2018, this tradition was flouted when the chairman was chosen from Himachal Pradesh. Such steps have generated criticism over the watering down of neutrality in the governing structure of the organization.
The revelations also highlight the financial burden placed on Punjab, whose taxpayers bear the operational costs of BBMB without receiving proportionate representation or benefits. Critics have called this systematic exclusion a “direct attack” on Punjab’s rights and federal balance, undermining the state’s legitimate stake in the board’s management.
The Punjab government is being urged to take swift action to redress these imbalances. Recommendations include the implementation of a fair rotation policy for BBMB administrative posts, the reduction of the financial burden borne by Punjab, and equitable representation of its officers. Even legal remedies are being suggested to restore balance in governance and financial responsibility within BBMB.
This disclosure has reignited the discussions of the need for fairness and federal cooperation in the management of inter-state institutions. Now, it is the turn of Punjab to push a transparent and just administrative framework that respects the contributions and rights of all stakeholders.