As Centre rejects Punjab’s choices for Food Corporation of India GM, Bhagwant Mann writes to Amit Shah

In the two-page letter dated November 22, Mann has reminded Shah that Punjab has borne the brunt of decades of militancy, cross-border smuggling and security threats, and continues to sit at the frontline of national security. “The state’s geographical, cultural and social conditions cannot be fully understood by an officer from outside,” Mann has written, adding that the role of GM, responsible for procurement, has direct implications for farmers, state security, and public trust.

Mann pointed to the recent paddy procurement season, when heavy rains caused widespread damage. This, he wrote, made the role even more crucial as the government scrambled to ensure smooth procurement amid distress. Procurement, he argued, is not merely an administrative routine in Punjab but an exercise tied to national food security, border-state stability, and people’s confidence in institutions.

The chief minister also noted that the escalating tensions post the farmers’ protests have made the administrative situation more delicate. “Decisions concerning Punjab must build public trust and strengthen national unity,” he stressed.

Mann said he had earlier conveyed these concerns to the Union minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution on November 6 as well. According to the letter, he had requested that the ongoing process to appoint a GM be paused to allow reconsideration, warning that appointing an outsider-cadre officer could create “avoidably adverse consequences.” He stated that Punjab had sent a panel of three IAS officers earlier, which was rejected by the Centre. Later, he said, the government sent another panel, which was also rejected.

Mann has also written that despite the minister’s assurance, the Centre seems to be proceeding with the appointment of a non-Punjab cadre officer. Mann has termed the development “unexpected” and said it has caused “deep concern.”

Reiterating that Punjab has a pool of experienced IAS officers who have handled security, smuggling and procurement challenges, Mann argued that “no state other than Punjab” understands the complexities of FCI’s vigilance network here. He urged Shah to “personally intervene” and ensure that a Punjab-cadre officer is appointed GM so that “trust, administrative continuity and cooperative federalism” are upheld.

Mann also expressed hope that the Centre would reconsider its decision and take a call that “strengthens the credibility of institutions and respects Punjab’s sentiments”.

B Srinivasan, a 2011 batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer, is the current GM of FCI for the Punjab region. His term comes to an end on December 31.