Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved significant changes to the state’s reservation framework governing technical education and certain administrative appointments.
In a key decision, the Cabinet scrapped the 20% quota earlier reserved for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (Non-APST) candidates in diploma and allied technical courses. These seats will now be de-reserved and placed under the open merit category, while retaining the constitutionally protected 80% reservation for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates.
Under the revised policy for allotment of Diploma, PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and allied technical seats, the 20% previously earmarked for Non-APST candidates will be filled strictly on the basis of merit and applicable category norms.
Officials said the move aims to enhance transparency and ensure equal opportunity in the selection process, allowing eligible candidates to compete in the open category while safeguarding the interests of APST communities.
The decision is being seen as a structural recalibration of the state’s education policy, seeking to balance social safeguards with merit-based access to technical education.
The Cabinet stated that the reforms are part of a broader effort to strengthen governance standards, improve transparency mechanisms and enhance academic quality across educational institutions in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation under Column 11 of the Recruitment Rules, 2014, for the post of Superintending Engineer in the Department of Power. The relaxation has been granted to address immediate administrative requirements and ensure continuity in critical power sector operations.
Sources indicated that the measure was taken to meet urgent departmental needs while maintaining overall adherence to service norms and procedural integrity.