CHANDIGARH – In a landmark move aimed at boosting local employment and asserting the state’s administrative rights, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has officially approved the departmental service rules for the creation of a dedicated cadre within the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). This pivotal decision clears the path for the direct recruitment of 2,452 personnel, a move designed to secure Punjab’s long-standing claims and provide a significant influx of government job opportunities for the state’s youth.
The creation of this specific cadre, which received its primary approval during a Cabinet meeting on November 15, 2025, addresses a long-standing grievance of the Punjab government. Despite contributing 40 percent of the BBMB’s total operational expenditure, Punjab has frequently seen its allocated posts remain vacant or, conversely, filled by employees from other partner states. By establishing these departmental service rules, the state government aims to rectify this imbalance, ensuring that its financial commitment is matched by equitable representation within the board’s workforce.
The BBMB, established under the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966, serves as the primary body overseeing the vital Bhakra and Beas dam projects. Traditionally, the board has functioned through the deputation of officers and staff from partner states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, the Punjab government has argued that the reliance on outside deputation has led to a dilution of the state’s influence and a loss of job opportunities for its own residents.
“The creation of this separate cadre is a major victory for the interests of Punjab,” a government spokesperson stated following the Cabinet meeting. “By formalizing these 2,452 posts with clearly defined service rules, we are ensuring that Punjab’s share of the administrative burden is handled by our own workforce. This stops the trend of our vacancies being filled by personnel from outside the state and guarantees that our youth get the fair representation they deserve.”
The approval of the recruitment rules and service conditions marks the final regulatory hurdle before the state can begin the hiring process. With the framework now in place, the government is expected to initiate the recruitment drive shortly, providing a much-needed boost to the local job market.
Political analysts view the decision as a strategic effort by the Mann administration to strengthen the state’s autonomy over critical infrastructure projects and fulfill election promises regarding the expansion of public sector employment. As the recruitment process gathers momentum, the government expects the move to not only enhance the efficiency of the BBMB’s operations but also serve as a blueprint for how the state intends to protect its administrative interests in inter-state bodies moving forward.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
