| Staff REPORTER |
ITANAGAR, Jun 2: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has raised concerns over issues relating to indigenous rights, illegal immigration, border demarcation, APST job recruitment and the overall protection of indigenous interests in the state. In this regard, AAPSU has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking immediate intervention.
Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here on Tuesday, AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union urged the state government to take urgent measures to safeguard indigenous rights in government recruitment and local governance.
Among its key demands, the AAPSU called for the immediate abolition of the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio in examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) and all other state government recruitment processes. The union argued that the policy has become outdated and adversely affects the constitutional rights and employment opportunities of indigenous Arunachali youth.
The AAPSU further demanded that possession of a valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate be made mandatory for eligibility in all state government recruitment processes.
The union also sought a comprehensive review of recruitment rules, stringent legal action against candidates found submitting fraudulent documents, and immediate implementation of the proposed reforms in forthcoming recruitment examinations.
Expressing concern over the participation of non-APST candidates in Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections, AAPSU referred to the recent Vijaynagar Panchayat election and demanded mandatory PRC and APST certification for candidates contesting PRI polls. It also urged the government to amend relevant laws to address existing legal loopholes.
“The demands are aimed at protecting the identity, constitutional rights and employment opportunities of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh,” Taku said.
The union sought a time-bound response from the state government and cautioned that it would be compelled to initiate its own course of action if corrective measures are not taken promptly.