The protesters expressed deep distrust toward the Central Government, accusing the BJP-led administration of treating Punjab like a “step-child.”
A wave of resentment has swept through Panjab University as student organizations launched a protest against the Central Government’s recent notification regarding recruitment for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The protesters allege that the new rules are a direct attack on Punjab’s representation and its control over vital natural resources.
Historically, two key permanent positions within the BBMB Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation) were reserved for representatives from Punjab and Haryana, respectively. However, according to a notification dated February 13, these positions have now been opened to candidates from across India.
Student leader Ashmeet Singh, in an interview with The Khalas TV, criticized the move as a strategic attempt to sideline local stakeholders. “If our own people are not in the system, our voice will not be heard,” Singh stated. He argued that having regional representatives was the only way to ensure that decisions regarding water distribution and power are made with the interests of the home state in mind.
The protesters expressed deep distrust toward the Central Government, accusing the BJP-led administration of treating Punjab like a “step-child.” Singh highlighted that while Himachal Pradesh provides the land and Punjab stores the water, the new policy allows the Centre to exploit these resources for other states like Rajasthan and Haryana without local oversight.
“They treat Punjab like a colony,” Singh said, comparing the current central policies to British era resource exploitation.
Political Backlash and Student Demands
The students also took aim at the current Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. While the state government has issued statements of concern, the students demand more than just rhetoric.
- Direct Action: Protesters called for the state leadership to physically protest outside the BBMB headquarters in Sector 28.
- Accountability: They urged the public to question political leaders from all parties about their silence or lack of action on the centralization of Panjab University and the BBMB.
The student unions at Panjab University have pledged to take this awareness campaign to the villages of Punjab. They maintain that the youth will be at the forefront of this struggle, even if it means facing police action.
“The first duty belongs to the political parties and the state government to open a front against the Centre. The students will stand behind them, but the leadership must act,” Singh concluded.
