ITANAGAR, May 21: A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), led by its president Meje Taku, called on Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona here on Wednesday and submitted a 27-point memorandum seeking urgent reforms across all levels — from primary schools in remote villages to universities and professional institutions — in Arunachal Pradesh.
The delegation, accompanied by general secretary Mato Bui and central executive members of the union, said the representation reflects the concerns and educational realities faced by students across all 26 districts of the State.
Raising issues in the school education sector, AAPSU stated that nearly 52 government schools — including higher secondary and secondary schools — are functioning without regular Principals or Vice Principals, affecting institutional leadership and academic administration.
The union demanded immediate appointment of Principals, Vice Principals and Headmasters on a time-bound basis, along with a state-wide recruitment drive to fill vacant PRT, TGT and PGT posts.
AAPSU also highlighted the shortage of Physical Education and Music Teachers in government schools, stating that the absence of such teachers violates provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
The union further called for strict implementation of the RTE Act in remote and tribal areas, regular delivery of mid-day meals, free uniforms and textbooks, introduction of a uniform fee structure in government schools, and comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, especially in border and remote regions.
At the college level, AAPSU sought urgent recruitment of Assistant Professors and Associate Professors in government degree colleges, alleging that many institutions are operating with inadequate teaching staff. The union also demanded introduction of new academic departments including Psychology, Mass Communication, Commerce, Sociology, Anthropology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry and Zoology in colleges where such subjects are unavailable.
With regard to higher education, AAPSU urged the government to appoint a regular Vice Chancellor for Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), which has reportedly been functioning without a permanent VC since February 2026.
The union also demanded early passage of the APU Academic Ordinance, filling of faculty positions as per UGC norms, development of hostel and residential facilities, dedicated power supply and installation of a water treatment plant at the campus.
AAPSU further called for the introduction of a dedicated State Research Fellowship for APST PhD scholars at both APU and Rajiv Gandhi University, noting that Arunachal Pradesh remains among the few states without such a scheme.
The apex students’ body also sought appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor at Rajiv Gandhi University, along with faster construction of hostel facilities and establishment of a water treatment plant.
At North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), AAPSU highlighted shortage of girls’ hostel accommodation, demanded construction of a foot overbridge between the North and South campuses, and installation of a water treatment facility.
The union also raised concerns regarding Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, seeking separation of undergraduate and postgraduate academic environments, infrastructure upgradation and eviction of alleged encroachments from campus land.
Among broader demands, AAPSU urged the State Govt to establish professional colleges in agriculture, horticulture, medicine and nursing within Arunachal Pradesh to reduce student migration to other states.
The memorandum also pressed for introduction of free foreign language courses, particularly Japanese and German, along with structured overseas career guidance for students.
Additionally, AAPSU raised concerns over delays in disbursement of scholarships under the Umbrella Scholarship Scheme, stating that many students studying outside the State face severe financial hardship due to delayed payments.
The union informed that the Education Minister upon receiving the memorandum assured the delegation that the Govt would examine the demands seriously and take appropriate action. The union said it would continue to follow up on the issues and expects time-bound responses from the Govt.