In a rare move that resonated with legislative unanimity, the Punjab Assembly on July 11 adopted a decisive resolution opposing the Centre’s proposal to station CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel at strategic Bhakra Beas Management Board installations. Punjab’s lawmakers asserted that the state police force, with its decades‑long track record, remains fully equipped to safeguard these crucial infrastructure sites, rendering the CISF addition both redundant and fiscally burdensome—estimated at ₹49.32 crore annually. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep reservations over the perceived dismissal of Punjab’s autonomy, highlighting the state’s historic contributions to national defense and the lack of honour for past efforts. The debate unfurled against a backdrop of simmering water disputes, particularly the contentious Sutlej‑Yamuna Link Canal, with legislators demanding a reconstitution of BBMB to redress longstanding water‑sharing imbalances. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called out previous administration’s alleged collusion with national parties in compromising Punjab’s demands. Fresh scrutiny has also been drawn to ₹104 crore of locked BBMB funds that remain unaudited for over seven decades—a symbol, lawmakers contended, of institutional neglect. This legislative push not only reinforces Punjab’s confidence in its law enforcement capacity, but also underscores its insistence on equitable resource management and respect for federal arrangements. Critical voices within the Assembly cautioned that unchecked CISF deployment could set governance precedents that alter the federal fabric itself. The government has invited public commentary and stakeholder engagement before final decisions. A clear signal has been sent: Punjab seeks both autonomy in its security architecture and fairness in inter‑state water governance. this is web generated news web report
