Itanagar, Apr 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday felicitated and distributed appointment orders to 161 successful candidates of the Arunachal Pradesh Engineering Services Examination (APESE) 2026, conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
Congratulating the newly recruited Assistant Engineers, Khandu lauded their hard work, perseverance, and dedication, attributing their success to both individual effort and the support of their families. He also expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for fostering a conducive environment for the candidates.
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to reform recruitment processes, the Chief Minister recalled that prior to 2016, recruitment lacked uniformity and transparency. He emphasized that systemic reforms introduced under his leadership have ensured merit-based and fair selection.
Among key milestones, he cited the establishment of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board in 2017 to institutionalize transparent recruitment for Group C and D posts. He further noted that comprehensive reforms in the Public Service Commission, following past irregularities, have resulted in a robust and credible system.
“Today, the recruitment process in Arunachal Pradesh is among the most transparent in the country. Even unsuccessful candidates have expressed satisfaction with the fairness of the system,” Khandu said.
Out of over 5,000 candidates who appeared in the examination, 161 were selected purely on merit, reflecting both intense competition and the integrity of the process. The Chief Minister also commended the APPSC for its professionalism, noting that it has received the State Gold Medal and the Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.
Addressing the newly appointed engineers, Khandu underlined their critical role in the state’s development, particularly in departments such as Public Works, Rural Works, Power, Urban Development, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources.
He urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and public service. “You have joined government service by choice. Always remember that you are public servants, and your primary responsibility is towards the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized quality execution of projects, timely delivery, and effective inter-departmental coordination. He also encouraged the engineers to adopt innovative and context-specific technologies suited to Arunachal Pradesh’s unique terrain and climatic conditions.
Highlighting the state’s development trajectory, Khandu credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting Arunachal Pradesh’s growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving the goals of a “Viksit Bharat” and a “Viksit Arunachal,” with young officers playing a key role.
He further stressed the importance of staying updated with technological advancements and maintaining a people-centric approach in governance, ensuring citizens feel supported and heard.
Khandu also highlighted initiatives to empower youth across sectors such as sports, entrepreneurship, arts, and startups, noting the state’s improving performance at national platforms and its growing presence in the startup ecosystem.
Referring to economic progress, he pointed to increased internal revenue generation and the vast potential of hydropower, envisioning energy-led growth and self-reliance for the state.
“Your work, integrity, and dedication will define the future of Arunachal Pradesh. Be committed, stay grounded, and serve with pride,” he added.