Chandigarh: The Centre’s decision to appoint an AGMUT cadre IAS officer as the General Manager (GM) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Punjab Region, has triggered strong objections from the Punjab government, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urging the Union government to reconsider what he termed a departure from a six-decade-old administrative practice.
The controversy arose after the Civil Services Board (CSB) recommended the posting of Rikita (Nikita) Pawar (IAS:2012:AGMUT) as General Manager of FCI Punjab Region, headquartered in Chandigarh.
Bhagwant Mann Writes to Union Minister Seeking Reconsideration
In a demi-official letter addressed to Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally objected to the proposed appointment and requested that the Centre select a Punjab cadre IAS officer instead.
Mann acknowledged receiving Joshi’s letter dated December 22, 2025, which informed the state government about the CSB’s recommendation. However, he expressed “considerable concern and public outrage” over the move and urged the Centre to reconsider the decision in the larger administrative and national interest.
“60 Years, 23 Officers — All from Punjab Cadre”
To bolster his argument, Mann enclosed a detailed historical record of all officers who have served as GM, FCI Punjab Region since the corporation’s inception on July 20, 1965.
According to the data shared:
- 37 officers have held the post over the last six decades
- 23 were regular appointments, and all were Punjab cadre IAS officers
Officers from other cadres were given only temporary or ad hoc charge, never as regular appointees
“In the last six decades, not a single regular General Manager of FCI Punjab Region has been from outside the Punjab cadre,” Mann wrote.
Punjab’s Central Role in National Food Procurement
The Chief Minister stressed that the GM (Punjab Region) post carries exceptional sensitivity due to Punjab’s pivotal role in India’s food security architecture.
“The functioning of FCI in Punjab is deeply intertwined with the state’s agricultural ecosystem and national food procurement operations,” Mann said.
He argued that Punjab cadre officers possess:
- First-hand experience of local procurement cycles
- Deep familiarity with storage, warehousing and distribution networks
- Practical understanding of farmer concerns and coordination mechanisms
Such experience, he said, is critical in a state that contributes a major share of food grains to the central pool under the National Food Security Act.
Security, Agriculture and Socio-Political Sensitivities
Mann also flagged Punjab’s unique security and socio-political context, pointing out the state’s history of militancy, cross-border smuggling and continuing national security challenges.
In an earlier letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 22, Mann had underlined that Punjab remains at the frontline of national security, and administrative leadership in sensitive institutions like FCI must be attuned to local realities.
“The state’s geographical, cultural and social conditions cannot be fully understood by an officer from outside,” he had written.
Recent Developments at FCI Punjab Region
Until December 31, 2025, the post of GM, FCI Punjab Region, was held by B. Srinivasan (IAS:2011:Punjab), who retired on that date.
Following his retirement:
- Sharandeep Kaur Brar, a Haryana cadre IAS officer and GM of FCI Haryana Region, was given additional charge of Punjab Region
- The CSB subsequently recommended the posting of Rikita Pawar (IAS:2012:AGMUT) as regular GM
The Punjab government maintains that while temporary arrangements may involve officers from other cadres, regular appointments have always gone to Punjab cadre IAS officers.
“Not About Individuals, But Administrative Efficiency”
Chief Minister Mann clarified that his objection was not directed at any individual officer, but was rooted in concerns over institutional efficiency, farmer interests and public trust.
“This issue is not about personalities. It is about protecting the interests of farmers, beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act, the state of Punjab, and the larger national interest,” the letter stated.
Punjab Offers Panel of Eligible IAS Officers
Mann informed the Union Minister that the Punjab government has already submitted a panel of eligible Punjab cadre IAS officers for the post of GM, FCI Punjab Region.
He added that if the Centre requires a fresh panel, the state is prepared to submit it immediately, noting that over 200 serving IAS officers belong to the Punjab cadre, offering ample choice.
“I am confident that, as always, you will consider this matter thoughtfully and generously,” Mann wrote, reiterating his request for a Punjab cadre appointment.
Issue Gains Political and Administrative Significance
The disagreement has added a political dimension to what is otherwise a routine administrative posting, especially given Punjab’s outsized role in national food grain procurement and the sensitivity surrounding farmer-state-centre relations.
The Centre is yet to respond to Mann’s latest representation. A final decision on the appointment is awaited.
