ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) on Saturday strongly criticised Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam over his remarks on its demand for abolition of the 80:20 job reservation policy, describing them as "immature and irresponsible" and demanding that he clarify his statement and apologise to the union and the people of the State within 12 hours.
Dukam, who heads the committee constituted by the State government to examine the abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio, had reportedly cautioned that scrapping the policy could face legal hurdles if challenged in court. He had also warned that such a challenge could result in the existing reservation policy itself being struck down.
Reacting to the statement, AAPSU said the Minister's remarks were unbecoming of the chairman of the committee and appeared to create fear and confusion on an issue of vital importance to the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.
The union maintained that, as chairman of the committee, Dukam should remain neutral and allow consultations with all stakeholders before making any public comments on the matter.
AAPSU further alleged that the Minister's remarks had demoralised those supporting the review of the existing policy and raised concerns over the impartiality expected from the committee chairman.
Rejecting Dukam's apprehensions, the union asserted that reservation in State government recruitment falls within the constitutional powers of the State under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution, which empower governments to make special provisions for Scheduled Tribes.
AAPSU president Meje Taku said neighbouring states have implemented similar reservation policies for years without judicial intervention and argued that Arunachal Pradesh also has the authority to revise its recruitment policy in line with its predominantly tribal population.
"Instead of offering clarity, leadership and legal confidence to the process, the Minister has chosen to spread apprehension," Taku said, adding that AAPSU would not allow "fear-mongering" to derail what it described as a legitimate constitutional demand.
The union urged Dukam to clarify his remarks and apologise within 12 hours, stating that his comments had caused hurt, misunderstanding and demoralisation among stakeholders.
AAPSU also called on the State government to ensure that the committee examines the issue with due diligence and seriousness, reiterating that abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio remains its foremost and non-negotiable demand.