In Punjab, lobbying starts for posts of chairpersons

With the notification, lobbying has reached its peak in the ruling Congress and MLAs, especially the first timers trying to use their contacts in the party to exert pressure on the government for appointment.

The corporations and boards, in which the chairpersons are to be appointed, include Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Sewerage Board, Punjab Health Systems Corporation, PUNSUP, Punjab Agro Food Corporation, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Punjab Agro Export Corporation, Punjab Financial Corporation, PSIEC, PSIDC, Infotech, Punseed, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (Backfinco), Punjab Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, Punjab Energy Development Agency, Punjab Forest Corporation, Khadi Board, Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation and Punjab Poultry Development Corporation.

While the MLAs who are already drawing salary from the government would not be paid any remuneration, sources in the Congress said several MLAs were still willing to take the posts. They will get an office, staff and a government residence in Chandigarh. The amendment Act was brought in by Congress government to placate several MLAs, who were upset at not being accommodated in the Cabinet expansion earlier this year.

While there are about 25 posts of chairpersons now, a few Congress leaders are of the view that the entire exercise to accommodate MLAs would also cause a fresh controversy as those left out would be upset.

Congress sources said that though they had not worked out any formula for the appointment, but the preference would be given to two and three-time MLAs who were left out of Cabinet expansion.

However, not many three-time MLAs have expressed their willingness to join the posts. Amloh MLA Randeep Singh Nabha, a three time MLA, who protested after the Cabinet expansion said, “I maintain that I would not accept any such posts. We had promised that those who were denied party tickets would be accommodated in boards and corporations. But we are going back on our promise. We will have to face the flak in coming elections. Also, we are not even sure whether the legislation would stand legal scrutiny or not. I will all the best to those who take up these jobs.” He said.

Kuljit Singh Nagra, a two-time MLA from Fatehgarh Sahib said he too would not accept it, “Why should I? Is a chairperson bigger than the MLA?” he asked.