ITANAGAR | The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved a new set of uniform eligibility conditions for direct recruitment to government posts, making a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language mandatory for candidates.

The new provisions will take immediate effect and apply to direct recruitment through competitive examinations for state government departments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies and local authorities.

The requirements will be incorporated into the Recruitment Rules and Service Rules for Group A, B and C posts and their equivalents, according to an official statement issued after the Cabinet meeting.

Under the new norms, applicants must be Indian citizens and inhabitants of Arunachal Pradesh holding a valid PRC. They must also be original inhabitants of the state and possess an APST certificate issued in accordance with the Scheduled Tribe list notified by the Centre.

Candidates will additionally be required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one indigenous tribal language from a list to be notified by the state government.

The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) have been directed to incorporate the new eligibility conditions into future recruitment advertisements and rules. The government will separately establish a mechanism to assess candidates’ proficiency in indigenous languages after they join government service.

The decision comes amid sustained pressure from student and tribal organisations seeking stronger safeguards for employment opportunities for indigenous people and demanding the removal of the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has been demanding mandatory PRC and APST certificates for government recruitment and had submitted its recommendations to the High Power Committee examining the state’s recruitment policy. The committee accepted the recommendations, including the requirement for proficiency in an indigenous language.

Under the existing 80:20 arrangement, 80 per cent of state government jobs are reserved for local Scheduled Tribe candidates, while the remaining 20 per cent is open to general competition. However, the Cabinet did not announce any change to the 80:20 system on Thursday. The decision instead establishes uniform eligibility requirements for direct recruitment based on residence, indigenous status and language proficiency.

AAPSU has set August 15 as the deadline for the government to announce its position on the recruitment ratio and has warned of a 12-hour statewide bandh on August 17 if its demand is not addressed. The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has also demanded complete removal of the 80:20 ratio, along with mandatory ST and PRC certificates and proficiency in an indigenous language or dialect for government recruitment.

Promotion norms relaxed for school education officials

The Cabinet also approved a one-time two-year relaxation in the qualifying service requirement for promotion to the posts of principal and Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) under the Recruitment Rules, 2010. The minimum qualifying service for headmasters, vice-principals and district adult education officers seeking promotion to these positions has been reduced from eight years to six years.

The government said the move would help fill vacant principal posts in government higher secondary schools and address a long-standing demand from public and student organisations. It is also expected to strengthen school administration and improve academic performance.

Industrial development bill approved

Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the draft Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development Area Bill, 2026, for introduction in the state Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a statutory framework for the development, management and maintenance of industrial development areas in the state, which currently lacks dedicated legislation for the purpose.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Senior Statistical Assistant Recruitment Rules, 2000, under the Agriculture Department. The amendments cover the pay scale, age limit, educational qualifications, recruitment procedure, composition of departmental promotion committees and consultation with the APPSC.

PWD divisions to be restructured

The Cabinet further approved a one-time relaxation in the qualifying service requirement for promotion from Executive Engineer to Superintending Engineer in the Public Works Department. The measure is intended to fill vacant Superintending Engineer posts and address cadre shortages affecting project supervision, infrastructure works and departmental management.

It also approved the relocation of the existing Rupa Highway Division of the PWD to Nafra in Bichom district, with the division to be renamed the Nafra PWD Division.

The restructuring follows the transfer of Frontier Highway works from the PWD to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The government said the move would also strengthen administrative infrastructure in the newly created district.