The ministry noted that it includes chief engineers of the partner states, representatives from the Central Water Commission.

Punjab Faces Major BBMB Staff Shortage: Centre Reveals 64% of Posts Vacant in Parliament

The Centre informed Parliament that over 64 per cent of Punjab’s sanctioned posts in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) remain vacant. According to the government, out of the 4,918 posts sanctioned for Punjab in the BBMB, only 1,756 were filled as of July 2025, leaving a significant majority of positions unoccupied, the Ministry of Jal Shakti stated in its written reply to Parliament.

The issue was raised by AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who sought information on Punjab’s representation in the BBMB. The Ministry of Jal Shakti explained that BBMB decisions, including those related to water distribution and operational matters, are made unanimously to protect the interests of all participating states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.

The government added that irrigation allocations, domestic water requirements, and other important issues are discussed in monthly meetings of the Technical Committee. The ministry noted that it includes chief engineers of the partner states, representatives from the Central Water Commission, the Indian Meteorological Department, and senior BBMB officials.

On addressing the high vacancy rate, the Ministry stated that the Punjab government recently took administrative steps to strengthen its BBMB presence. Official sources said that in November 2025, the Punjab Cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated cadre of 2,458 employees for deployment within the BBMB. This move is expected to reduce dependency on staff deputed from the state’s Water Resources Department and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, who are sometimes withdrawn, leaving posts vacant.

The ministry added that while the Centre’s reply did not comment on state concerns regarding proposed amendments under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, it emphasised that BBMB’s operations continue under established mechanisms and conventions, ensuring consensus-based decision-making among all member states.

Source: Times of India