Chandigarh: In a firm assertion of state authority and financial autonomy, the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the proposed deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at installations of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The resolution was tabled during the Ninth Special Session of the Assembly by Barinder Kumar Goyal, Punjab’s Minister of Water Resources.
Slamming the Congress for setting the precedent, Goyal said, “It was the Congress government that agreed to the deployment of CISF at BBMB on 6 December 2021. That decision was flawed, unnecessary, and against the interest of Punjab. Today’s resolution is a clear message — we will not accept central interference at the cost of state exchequer or pride.”
The House echoed Goyal’s concerns, pointing to multiple objections:
Punjab Police has effectively protected BBMB installations for nearly 70 years without any serious lapse, even during periods of intense unrest.
The state police force is well-acquainted with the terrain, local sensitivities, and modern security technologies. It has also proven its capacity to guard other critical installations near the international border, such as the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpurkandi dams.
The installations fall within Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and hence, constitutionally fall under state jurisdiction for law and order responsibilities.
Deploying CISF would create an additional annual financial burden of ₹49.32 crore — a cost Punjab, as a principal contributor to BBMB’s operations, would largely bear.
A hybrid security model involving CISF offers no meaningful advantage but would escalate expenses.
The resolution categorically stated: “The proposal of deployment of CISF personnel by BBMB is rejected. The House affirms that the Punjab Police is fully capable of ensuring the safety of these vital assets. If BBMB still goes ahead with CISF deployment, the State of Punjab will not bear any financial responsibility.”
The Assembly further recommended that the Punjab Government take up the matter with the Government of India and the BBMB to immediately halt any move to introduce CISF personnel at the Bhakra Nangal and other hydro projects.
Minister Goyal added, “Punjab’s police forces are not only professionally trained but have demonstrated far greater familiarity with regional security dynamics than any centrally deployed force. Congress surrendered that reality in 2021 — we are reclaiming it now.”
The resolution marks a strong pushback by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab against what it sees as unnecessary centralization initiated under Congress’s tenure, reinforcing state control over local institutions and fiscal decisions.
