Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Thursday approved uniform eligibility criteria for direct recruitment through competitive examinations to all Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ services and posts under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The decision will cover posts and services under state government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies and local and urban bodies, among others.
The new eligibility provisions will come into effect immediately for all Recruitment Rules and Service Rules applicable to Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts and services and their equivalents.
Under the approved criteria, every candidate seeking direct recruitment will have to fulfil three mandatory conditions: permanent residence, Indigenous/APST status and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language.
A candidate must be an Indian citizen and an inhabitant of Arunachal Pradesh possessing a valid Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) issued by the designated competent authority.
The candidate must also be an original inhabitant of Arunachal Pradesh and possess an Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) Certificate, as per the list of tribes notified by the Government of India under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, as amended from time to time.
The candidate must additionally be able to speak any of the indigenous tribal languages of Arunachal Pradesh as per the notified list.
The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) have been mandated to incorporate these eligibility clauses and the post-joining language test mechanism in all future recruitment advertisements and rules.
In a decision concerning the Education Department, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation of two years in the minimum qualifying service or residency period prescribed under the Recruitment Rules, 2010, for promotion to the post of Principal/DDSE.
The qualifying period has been reduced from eight years to six years for the promotion of HM/VP and DAEO to the post of Principal/DDSE.
The decision addresses the long-pending demand of public and student bodies and will facilitate the filling of existing vacancies for principals in government higher secondary schools, with the objective of ensuring robust, responsible and accountable administration and improved academic results.
The Cabinet also approved the redesignation of Forester as Deputy Forest Ranger (Special Grade). The decision is intended to motivate, encourage and recognise the long-standing commitment and services of these frontline forest personnel.
The Cabinet approved the Draft Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development Area Bill, 2026 (APIDA, 2026) for introduction and enactment by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
At present, Arunachal Pradesh does not have dedicated legislation to regulate the planned development, management and maintenance of industrial development areas. The proposed legislation seeks to provide a statutory framework for the systematic development of industrial areas in the state.
The Cabinet also approved an amendment to the Senior Statistical Assistant Recruitment Rules, 2000, under the Department of Agriculture.