In a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday, several significant decisions were made for the welfare of the people and the development of Arunachal Pradesh. The meeting marked the 11th gathering of the state Cabinet this year and the first for Khandu in his 8th year as Chief Minister.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, the state Cabinet decided to grant special remission to prisoners belonging to specific categories. Pending approval from the Governor, at least four male prisoners will be released from jails on Independence Day.
The Cabinet extensively discussed the state’s education scenario and highlighted the initiatives implemented by the Education Department. The Education Commissioner informed the Cabinet that despite challenges, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a steady rise in the education sector. Notable achievements include a reduction in the dropout rate from 9% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2022, an increase in the availability of pre-primary classes from 3% to 27%, and improved teacher postings in 90% of schools compared to 24% in 2016. Additionally, various measures such as the establishment of Early Childhood Care Centres, Golden Jubilee Schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools were undertaken. Vocational education courses in tourism, hospitality, and IT were added to multiple government schools, and books on local folk tales were developed for eight tribes in the state.
In a major decision, the Cabinet approved the regulation of minimum qualifying marks for written examinations conducted for the recruitment of Group A and B posts. The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) will determine the minimum qualifying marks for preliminary and mains examinations, and successful candidates will proceed to the interview/viva voce round. Relaxations in standards will be applied for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes (APST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates if sufficient representation is not likely to be achieved based on the general standards.
The Cabinet also sanctioned the creation of a Controller of Examination (CoE) post for Arunachal University in Pasighat. The CoE position is crucial for the university, which is preparing to commence academic activities in the 2023-24 academic year. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved Laboratory Assistant (Civil) Recruitment Rules to cater to the technical requirements of the state’s polytechnic colleges.
Other decisions made during the Cabinet meeting include renaming the State Remote Sensing Application Centre (SRSAC) to Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC), reviewing the status of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, establishing the Arunachal Pradesh Airport Planning and Development Authority, approving Recruitment Rules for prosecuting officers, and creating two Public Works Department (PWD) Sub-Divisions in Dollungmukh and Patuk.
These decisions reflect the state government’s commitment to promoting social welfare, improving education, and streamlining recruitment processes in Arunachal Pradesh.
