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| AAPSU Executive Members With CM Pema Khandu. |
Itanagar, June 2:
The Central Executive Members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today called on Chief Minister and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting several pressing concerns affecting indigenous students and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
During the meeting, the student body raised a series of long-standing demands related to employment, constitutional safeguards, education, democratic rights, and the welfare of indigenous communities. The Chief Minister reportedly responded positively to the issues presented and assured necessary action on several key matters.
One of the major issues discussed was the demand for making Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates mandatory in all State Government recruitment processes. AAPSU reiterated its long-standing opposition to the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio and sought stronger safeguards to ensure employment opportunities are protected for indigenous people. In response, the Chief Minister assured that a dedicated committee would be constituted to examine the matter and recommend appropriate measures.
The delegation also pressed for mandatory PRC and APST certification requirements for candidates contesting Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections. AAPSU argued that such safeguards are essential to protect indigenous political representation and grassroots democratic institutions. The Chief Minister assured that a separate committee would be formed to study the demand and address concerns related to indigenous political rights.
In a significant development for higher education, the Chief Minister assured the introduction of a State Government-funded fellowship scheme for APST students pursuing PhD programmes in government institutions within Arunachal Pradesh. The proposed fellowship is expected to provide much-needed financial support to indigenous research scholars and strengthen the state's academic and research ecosystem.
The issue of limited examination infrastructure was also highlighted during the meeting. AAPSU urged the government to increase the number of Common University Entrance Test (CUET) centres in Arunachal Pradesh, pointing out the hardships and risks faced by students who are compelled to travel outside the state to appear for the examination. The Chief Minister assured that additional CUET centres would be established within the state from next year to improve accessibility and reduce the burden on students.
Another important assurance came regarding the creation of a designated democratic protest ground in Itanagar. The Chief Minister reportedly agreed to provide a government-designated space for peaceful democratic assembly, recognising the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and concerns through lawful and peaceful means.
Apart from these major issues, AAPSU also placed before the Chief Minister several other state-centric concerns relating to indigenous rights, border connectivity, constitutional safeguards, youth employment, social welfare, and developmental challenges faced by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the student body, these issues received positive consideration and constructive engagement from the government.
AAPSU expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his time, openness, and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. The union described the meeting as productive and reflective of the democratic spirit, expressing hope that the assurances given would translate into concrete policy measures benefiting the indigenous people and students of Arunachal Pradesh.
