ANINI, Jan 31: The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, convened today at Anini, the district headquarters of Dibang Valley, under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh’s flagship Cabinet Aapke Dwar initiative. The meeting marked another significant step towards decentralised governance by taking key policy decisions closer to the people.
The Cabinet deliberated on a wide range of developmental, administrative and institutional reforms and approved several important decisions aimed at strengthening governance systems, improving transparency, enhancing service delivery and promoting inclusive growth across sectors.
To ensure smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), the Cabinet approved replacing the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 with a Bill. The amendment allows appointment of a retired officer, meeting prescribed eligibility criteria, as Chairperson of APSSB in addition to serving officers. The decision seeks to address administrative disruptions caused by frequent transfers and to ensure continuity and efficiency in recruitment processes.
In a major step towards restoring public confidence in recruitment, the Cabinet approved the remedial measures recommended by the One-Man Inquiry Commission to strengthen and streamline the functioning of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). The Government expressed confidence that these measures will ensure a fair, transparent and efficient recruitment system.
To enhance the financial viability of large hydropower projects revived through Memoranda of Agreement signed with Central Public Sector Undertakings in 2023, the Cabinet approved SGST reimbursement concessions for the Kalai II Hydroelectric Project (1,200 MW) being developed by THDC India Limited and the Attunli Hydroelectric Project (680 MW) being developed by SJVN Limited. The Kalai II project is located on the Lohit River in Anjaw district, while the Attunliproject is on the Tangon (Talo) River in Dibang Valley district. Both projects will be implemented through joint venture companies with 26 per cent equity participation by the State Government.
These two projects involve a cumulative investment of approximately Rs 21,700 crore and are expected to generate around Rs 458 crore annually in free power and Rs 84 crore annually under the Local Area Development Fund after commissioning. In addition to substantial employment and self-employment opportunities, the projects are expected to contribute significantly to long-term socio-economic development in the project-affected areas.
In line with provisions of the MoAs, the joint venture companies will reserve employment opportunities for local tribal communities, including 25 per cent of Group A and B posts, 50 per cent of Group C and D posts, and 25 per cent of skilled and unskilled jobs, ensuring inclusive participation of local populations.
The Cabinet also approved the provision of annuity grants for the entire lifetime of hydropower projects to Project Affected Families through the Local Area Development Fund, in addition to land and property compensation and resettlement and rehabilitation packages. This decision aims to make project-affected families long-term partners in the commissioning and operation of hydropower projects.
To strengthen senior technical leadership, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation of the Superintending Engineer (SE) Common Recruitment Rules, 2014 for promotion to the posts of Superintending Engineer (Civil) in the Department of Hydro Power Development. The move is intended to ensure continuity and timely execution of ongoing and upcoming hydropower projects.
The Cabinet further approved the Renovate–Own–Operate–Transfer (ROOT) Policy for Small Hydropower Projects, 2026, aimed at reviving underperforming small hydropower projects by attracting private investment, improving operational efficiency and increasing renewable energy generation in line with the State’s Decade of Hydropower (2025–2035) vision. 
In the education sector, the Cabinet approved the creation of 150 teaching posts in Special Education, comprising 75 Trained Graduate Teachers and 75 Primary Teachers, as per Rehabilitation Council of India norms, to promote inclusive education for children with special needs.
The Cabinet also approved repeal of obsolete State-level rules governing the State Information Commission following amendments to the Right to Information Act in 2019, thereby aligning State rules with Central provisions and removing legal ambiguities.
In the administrative domain, approval was accorded for implementation of the Electronic Inner Line Permit (e-ILP) system to improve regulatory oversight, transparency and convenience for visitors.
To strengthen institutional capacity, recruitment rules were approved for key posts under the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Fresh recruitment rules for Junior Engineers (Civil) under the Water Resources Department were approved in conformity with the Seventh Central Pay Commission. Amendments to recruitment rules for Statistical Officers in the Agriculture Department and posts in the Disaster Management Department were also approved to rationalise pay structures and streamline career progression.
In a major governance reform, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aimed at decriminalising minor offences under select State Acts and replacing imprisonment with rationalised monetary penalties, thereby improving ease of doing business and promoting trust-based governance.
To strengthen grassroots governance, the Cabinet approved creation of 99 posts of Junior Engineer and 99 posts of Upper Division Clerk in Zilla Parishads, along with additional posts under the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, including Lower Division Clerks and Data Entry Operators. The decision is expected to enhance planning, execution and monitoring of developmental works at the Panchayati Raj level.
The Cabinet also approved a one-time relaxation of experience criteria for recruitment of specialists in the Health Department to widen the pool of eligible candidates and improve availability of specialist medical services. Additionally, approval was accorded for creation of six Physiotherapist posts in recognition of their critical role in treatment and rehabilitation.
To encourage academic excellence and intellectual development among youth, the Cabinet approved institutionalisation of flagship talent programmes such as Battle of Minds, Spelling Wizard, and Maths and Science Olympiads as annual calendar events under the Department of Youth Affairs.
The Cabinet held detailed discussions on the Chief Minister’s Social Security Schemes and directed the concerned departments to devise a robust mechanism to maximise benefits for the downtrodden and BPL population.
The Cabinet approved renaming of the Regional Apple Nursery, Dirang as the Regional Temperate Horticulture Nursery, reflecting its expanded mandate to promote diverse temperate crops in response to changing climatic and market conditions.
Presentations were also made on the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries chaired by the Prime Minister in December 2025, reforms for strengthening the offices of Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, and the Arunachal Vidya Nidhi integrated school asset management software.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister along with his cabinet colleagues and district officials inaugurated the newly constructed District Secretariat at Anini.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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