Punjab Cabinet approves service rules for separate BBMB employee cadre
The decision aims to protect the state's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board and create jobs for local youth.
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved departmental service rules for a new, separate cadre of employees for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Saturday, according to ThePrint and The Tribune.
The move is intended to secure Punjab's representation in the Board and provide employment for the state's youth.
Under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the BBMB regulates projects for the Bhakra and Beas dams. Partner states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan provide officers and employees on deputation.
An official statement noted that while Punjab provides 40 per cent of the Board's finances, its allocated positions often remain vacant, leading to employees from other states being appointed to those roles.
The Council of Ministers previously approved a special cadre of 2,452 posts during a meeting on November 15 last year.
With the service rules now approved, the state can begin the direct recruitment process for these positions.