In yet another episode of “Delhi knows best,” the latest blockbuster decision has landed in Punjab — and, unsurprisingly, it comes with the same old trademark stamp: MADE IN DELHI‼️
This time, Delhi resident Jatinder Singh Shanty has been appointed as a Member of the Punjab Human Rights Commission, leaving Punjabis across the state wondering whether this is an appointment or an imported product launch.
One cannot help but ask the obvious question — Was there truly no Punjabi left in the entire state who could protect human rights in Punjab?
Did the land that produced constitutional scholars, retired judges, senior bureaucrats, academicians, social activists, lawyers, rights defenders, and civil society leaders suddenly go talent-less overnight?
Or has Delhi simply developed a special allergy to Punjabi merit?
But the irony doesn’t end there. Punjab, a state with its own rich legacy of rights movements, justice struggles, and civil society leadership, is now being told — in the most subtle way possible — that its institutions apparently need outside supervision. It’s almost as if the Centre and its friends want to attach a label:
“Local Punjabis not trusted. Imported expertise preferred.”
This appointment raises serious eyebrows and a few smirks too. After all, one must appreciate Delhi’s consistency — every time Punjab asks for fair governance, protection of federal rights, or respect for state institutions, Delhi replies with the same solution: Send someone from Delhi. Problem solved.
Perhaps we should get ready for the next announcements:
Delhi Resident to Be Appointed Chief of Punjab Police — Local Experience Not Required.
Special Committee Formed to Check Punjabi Culture — All Members From Delhi Think Tanks.
Agriculture Experts From Delhi to Teach Punjab How to Grow Wheat Properly.
The satire writes itself.
At a time when Punjab is already struggling with complex social, economic, and rights-related challenges, the least one expects is that the institutions meant to safeguard citizens’ rights should include voices from Punjab — people who understand the soil, the social dynamics, the culture, the pain, and the lived realities of the people.
Instead, the message seems to be clear:
Believe in “Delhi Supremacy,” not in Punjabi capability.
The censorship of Punjab’s identity and autonomy continues in creative ways — some through constitutional amendments, some through administrative restructuring, and some through eyebrow-raising appointments. What remains common is the philosophy:
“If it’s Punjab, Delhi will handle it.”
In the end, one can only hope that the Punjab Human Rights Commission does not become yet another institution where decisions are dictated from outside while Punjabis merely watch. Overshadowing Punjab’s rights institutions with Delhi’s presence not only undermines the spirit of federalism but also sends a humiliating message to an entire state — that it cannot trust its own people for its own rights.
But fear not. At least one thing is consistent:
Whenever something strange happens in Punjab’s governance, we no longer have to search for explanations.
We simply look at the label.
And this time too, it proudly reads:
“Another Made in Delhi‼️”