Arunachal's Lekang Circle Shut Down Over New Recruitment Rules

Normal life was disrupted in Arunachal Pradesh's Lekang circle on Friday as community-based organisations, students' unions, and NGOs began an indefinite bandh against the state cabinet's decision to introduce uniform eligibility criteria for government recruitment.

The shutdown began at 5 am, with protesters blocking roads at key entry points, including Banka Bridge, Bordumsa Gate, and Dirak Gate.

The agitation reflects growing concern among non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) residents that the new recruitment rules could shut them out of government jobs despite their longstanding domicile status.

Under the new framework, applicants must have permanent residence, APST or indigenous status, and proficiency in at least one indigenous tribal language.

The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) have been directed to incorporate these requirements into upcoming direct recruitment for Group A, B, and C posts.

Protest leaders argue that the policy threatens the livelihood of genuine non-APST residents who possess valid domicile and resident certificates.

Their concern highlights a difficult question for the government: how to frame uniform recruitment rules without excluding longstanding residents who say they have legitimate claims to state employment.

Protesters Raise Legal Concerns

Horojit Morang, a representative of the protesting organisations, called the cabinet's decision 'unconstitutional' and cautioned that opening the state's existing reservation framework to legal scrutiny could have adverse consequences.

Citing the Supreme Court's landmark 1992 ruling in the Indra Sawhney v. Union of India case, Morang warned that judicial intervention could jeopardise the state's existing reservation quotas.

The dispute centres around the state's existing 80:20 reservation arrangement, where 80% of vacancies are earmarked for APST candidates and 20% for non-APST aspirants.

Bandh enforcers fear that scrapping the arrangement would make domicile-holding candidates from Lekang circle ineligible for state jobs.

Many of these residents, they said, are indigenous inhabitants who possess historical land survey records dating back to 1968.

The dispute, therefore, goes beyond recruitment criteria. For the protesters, it is also about whether historical residence and domicile should continue to provide employment protection to people who have lived in Lekang for decades.

Before launching the indefinite strike, the protesting organisations submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

The memorandum outlined their concerns and demands, seeking a reversal of the uniform eligibility criteria.

The situation remains tense, with protesters refusing to back down until their demands are met.

The Arunachal Pradesh government faces a challenging task in addressing the concerns of both APST and non-APST residents, while ensuring that the recruitment process is fair and transparent.

The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the state's employment landscape and the livelihoods of its residents.

In conclusion, the indefinite bandh in Lekang circle highlights the complexities and challenges involved in framing uniform recruitment rules in a state with a diverse population and a sensitive reservation framework.

It remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of the protesters and find a solution that balances the interests of all stakeholders involved.