HT Correspondent
MIAO, Oct 8: In a landmark Cabinet meeting held under the “Cabinet Aapke Dwar” initiative at Miao in Changlang district, the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu approved a series of major policy reforms, infrastructure development projects, and welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, boosting local development, and promoting inclusive growth.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Print and Digital Media Advertisement Policy, 2025, which consolidates and replaces the earlier separate policies for print and electronic media. The unified framework centralises all government advertisements under the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), introduces fixed advertisement rates for empanelled local media, and prioritises support for local media houses in alignment with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
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Further, the Cabinet approved the “Recruitment to the post of Director (Information and Public Relations), Rules 2025,” replacing the 1981 recruitment rules to streamline the appointment process for this Group ‘A’ Gazetted post. Additionally, Section 3(2) (a) of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) Act, 2018, was amended to revise the eligibility criteria for the post of Chairman, bringing in more administrative experience and accountability.
A major focus of the meeting was on empowering grassroots democratic institutions. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (APPR) Act, 1997, and the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Prohibition of Defection) Act to strengthen Panchayats. Gram Panchayats will now have the authority to enforce sanitation and water management rules by penalising violators and villagers can now report encroachments directly to Circle Officers instead of traveling to the SDO office. Significant electoral reforms were also introduced for Panchayat elections, including the use of EVMs, disqualification of Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat members for anti-party activities, rejection of nomination papers if an election agent holds an office of profit, early arrival requirements for polling agents, and the introduction of NOTA (None of the Above) in Zilla Parishad elections.
The Cabinet also granted pensionary benefits of Rs 60,000 per month to Ex-Council Members and Ex-MLAs under an amendment to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Act, 1983, recognising their contributions even for partial terms served.
In the energy sector, the Cabinet approved the formation of two major joint ventures: NHPC Arunachal Green Energy Limited for the Kamala (1,720 MW) and Subansiri Upper (1,605 MW) projects, and NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited for the Tato I, Tato II, Heo, Naying, and Hirong projects. These ventures mark a critical step under the “Decade of Hydro Power (2025–2035)” initiative to generate 19 GW of clean energy, boost employment, and contribute to India’s net-zero carbon goals.
Other reforms included the approval of the Recruitment Rules, 2025, for key posts under the Directorate of Prosecution to establish a clear hierarchy and strengthen justice delivery. Recruitment rules were also amended for Assistant Engineers, as well as for Scientist-B and Scientific Assistants in the Directorate of Forensic Science, aligning them with new national criminal laws emphasizing the role of forensic evidence.
In a progressive move for inclusive education, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval for establishing a state-of-the-art Special School for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). This institution will offer comprehensive education, therapy, and healthcare services, and will reflect the government’s deep commitment to dignity and equity for every child, irrespective of their abilities.
The Agriculture Department also saw vital reforms. Facing a critical shortage of field officers, the Cabinet approved promotions to fill 42 vacant posts ranging from Director to District Agriculture Officers.
These promotions will create new entry-level vacancies for Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), offering new employment opportunities for agriculture graduates.
The Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Service Rules, 2005, were amended to address structural and promotional bottlenecks in the department.
As part of the Cabinet Aapke Dwar’s region-specific focus, major administrative upgradations and infrastructure announcements were made for Changlang district. These included the upgradation of Khimiyang EAC HQ to ADC HQ (Independent), the creation of a new Circle HQ at Rajanagar covering 25 villages under Bordumsa Sub-Division, and the upgradation of Yatdam EAC HQ to SDO HQ. A Power Section will be established at Kantang Circle, and a new Fire Station will come up at Bordumsa.
To bolster physical infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the construction of an office and staff accommodation for the RWD Division at Jairampur, a Circuit House and an Open Stadium at Changlang District HQ, and a motorable bridge over the Noa-Dihing River connecting Miao to Pisi village. These infrastructure projects aim to improve mobility, service delivery, and public amenities in remote areas. Furthermore, to enhance administrative infrastructure under the ADC, Miao Sub-Division, development works worth Rs 8 crore were approved. These are aimed at improving office facilities and ensuring smooth governance in one of the state’s key border regions. The Cabinet meeting at Miao marks a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s journey toward Viksit Arunachal by 2040. With a focus on decentralisation, youth empowerment, inclusive education, justice delivery, digital media reforms, and green energy, the decisions made reflect the government’s commitment to bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring equitable development across all corners of the state.
