Itanagar, May 14: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved a wide-ranging set of policy and administrative measures, including new rules to prevent paper leaks in recruitment examinations, stricter Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations, and austerity directives for ministers and officials. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, deliberated on proposals spanning governance, recruitment, urban development, welfare, and institutional reforms.
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal, the cabinet announced austerity measures such as a one-year ban on foreign travel by ministers and officials, a 50 per cent reduction in VIP convoys, adoption of a “virtual first” meeting policy, restrictions on new vehicle purchases, promotion of e-office systems, energy-saving initiatives, and encouragement of organic farming and “buy local, buy swadeshi” campaigns.
Among the key decisions, the cabinet approved the “Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Rules, 2026,” designed to strengthen safeguards against question paper leaks and other malpractices. These rules operationalise provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination Act, 2024, and establish monitoring mechanisms, reporting procedures, and accountability for examination authorities.
Recruitment reforms featured prominently, with amendments approved for administrative officers, chief engineers, and other posts to streamline procedures and update service conditions. The Agriculture department’s planning officer rules were revised to align pay scales and promotion criteria, while new recruitment rules were framed for 20 Group-C posts under the land management department. The cabinet also approved merging the lone compounder post at the Police Training Centre, Banderdewa, with the pharmacist cadre to remove pay anomalies and ensure compliance with the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
On ILP reforms, the cabinet introduced fully digital e-ILP guidelines with QR-code verification, Aadhaar-based authentication, police verification for work permits, stricter penalties for violations, and district-level enforcement drives. In the urban affairs sector, the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Rules, 2026, were approved to establish Rent Authorities, Rent Courts, and Rent Tribunals for a transparent rental housing system. The cabinet also discussed the proposed “Arunachal Pradesh Airport Area Development Authority Bill, 2026,” aimed at planned development around airport regions including Hollongi, Tezu, and Pasighat.
Financial administration reforms included amendments to recruitment rules for assistant auditors and new rules for sub-treasury accountants. Welfare measures were also strengthened, with cash grants for gallantry award recipients enhanced—Param Vir Chakra awardees will now receive ₹1 crore, while Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra recipients will receive ₹50 lakh.
Additional approvals covered recruitment rules for principals and wardens in nursing colleges, a committee to examine upgrading five ANM schools into GNM institutes, and revised guidelines for financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
