Indian union  Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Friday that candidates from Punjab and Haryana will be given preference for key appointments to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), following concerns over recent changes to recruitment rules.

The BBMB remained a long term bone of contention between the Punjab government and the union government. Punjab had in the past alleged that the state's share in the management was diluted by the union government. 

Speaking at the BBMB’s 51st foundation day event in Panchkula, Khattar said candidates from Punjab would be prioritized for the member (power) post, while Haryana candidates would receive preference for the member (irrigation) role.

He said a clause had been added to the recruitment rules to protect the interests of both states. However, Khattar noted that if suitable candidates from Punjab or Haryana are unavailable, the board would appoint qualified candidates from elsewhere.

Traditionally, the member (power) position was held by a senior technical officer deputed from Punjab, while the member (irrigation) role was filled by an official from Haryana. The arrangement, however, was based on convention and not formally written into the rules.