At the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly voiced the state’s concerns, urging the Centre to put an end to what he called years of “injustice” and neglect.
Mann raised multiple issues, focusing primarily on Punjab’s ongoing water crisis, the controversial Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)’s alleged bias.
No Surplus Water to Share, Says Mann
The Chief Minister made it clear that Punjab does not have excess water to offer to other states. He proposed building the Yamuna-Sutlej-Link (YSL) canal instead of the SYL canal, citing the state’s depleting groundwater levels and river deficits. Mann highlighted that rivers like the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are already running low, and suggested that water should be rerouted from areas with a surplus to those facing shortages.
Punjab’s Right to Yamuna Waters
Citing a 1954 agreement between the former Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Mann insisted that Punjab is entitled to two-thirds of Yamuna’s water. He demanded the state’s inclusion in future negotiations on Yamuna water distribution to ensure Punjab receives its rightful share.
Criticism of BBMB and CISF Deployment
Mann criticised the BBMB for its recent decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, calling it illegal and biased against Punjab. He also opposed the deployment of CISF personnel at the Nangal Dam, claiming it undermines Punjab’s authority and demanded that the move be rolled back.
Chandigarh Representation and Service Rules
Bringing up the issue of representation, Mann called for fair inclusion of Punjab officials in the Chandigarh Administration, as per the 60:40 rule established between Punjab and Haryana. He urged the Centre to scrap recent amendments to Service Rules that threaten this balance.
Support for Marginalised Communities and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister requested the immediate release of pending arrears under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students. He pointed out that Punjab has the highest SC population in the country, and that timely disbursal of funds is essential for student welfare.
He also called for Central support in desilting the Harike Headworks — a critical reservoir for Punjab — and sought special industrial packages for border areas, better compensation for farmers, and more infrastructure grants.
Vision for “Rangla Punjab”
Mann outlined the state government’s ongoing initiatives, including doorstep delivery of services, reforms in health and education, industrial growth, and women’s empowerment. He reiterated Punjab’s vision of becoming a vibrant and inclusive “Rangla Punjab.”
In his closing remarks, Mann stressed the importance of cooperative federalism and urged the Centre to work hand-in-hand with states like Punjab to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047.
