Reported by Sandeep Sharma
Guwahati: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity and prudent expenditure, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including restrictions on foreign travel by ministers and government officials for the next year.
The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Among the key measures approved was a 50 per cent reduction in the convoys of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other ministers.
The Cabinet also adopted a “virtual-first” approach for official meetings during the year in a bid to reduce expenditure from the state exchequer.
According to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), tickets for unavoidable official travel must be booked at least 15 days in advance, while Leave Travel Concession (LTC) bookings should be made 45 days in advance.
The government further announced the complete adoption of e-office and paperless functioning in subordinate offices, circle offices, and SDO headquarters by March 2027.
Officials, school students, and college students will also be encouraged to use public transport and adopt carpooling practices. The Cabinet additionally decided that no new vehicles would be procured except those required for emergency services.
To reduce power consumption, air conditioners in government offices will be maintained at 24 degrees Celsius or above. The government also proposed measures to minimise the use of edible oil in government schools, colleges, hospitals, and canteens, while promoting certified organic farming in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The Cabinet further directed that all electronic items procured by the government must carry a five-star energy efficiency rating. The state also announced a renewed push for “Buy Swadeshi, Buy Local” initiatives to strengthen local industries and community-based enterprises.
Apart from austerity measures, the Cabinet deliberated on a wide range of policy, governance, and administrative issues concerning several departments.
One of the major decisions was the approval for framing the “Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Rules, 2026.” The rules aim to strengthen safeguards against question paper leaks and malpractice in recruitment examinations conducted by different agencies in the state.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to recruitment rules relating to administrative officers, chief engineers, and several other posts across departments to streamline appointments and update service conditions.
In the agriculture sector, amendments to the Planning Officer Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules were approved to regularise changes in pay scale, promotion criteria, and departmental procedures.
The Cabinet further cleared recruitment rules for 20 newly created Group-C posts under the Department of Land Management, including posts of Computer Assistant and Senior Computer Assistant.
In a major boost to horticulture and agro-tourism, the Cabinet approved the notification of the Pineapple Expo at Bagra in West Siang district as an annual business event under the Department of Horticulture. The initiative is expected to promote value addition, food processing, branding of Bagra pineapple, and create livelihood opportunities for local youth.
The Cabinet also approved the merger of the lone post of Compounder at the Police Training Centre in Banderdewa with the Pharmacist cadre under the Directorate of Health Services to address pay anomalies and ensure compliance with provisions of the Pharmacy Act.
In another decision, eligible candidates who had already cleared physical tests for constable recruitment and later appeared in the written examination conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board in July 2025 were granted a one-time exemption from repeating Physical Efficiency and Physical Standard Tests.
For the urban affairs sector, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Rules, 2026, to operationalise provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Act, 2022, and create a transparent rental housing system in the state.
The Cabinet also discussed the proposed Arunachal Pradesh Airport Area Development Authority Bill, 2026, aimed at planned urban development around airport zones, including areas surrounding Donyi Polo Airport and airports in Tezu and Pasighat.
Amendments to recruitment rules for Assistant Auditor and framing of new rules for the post of Sub-Treasury Accountant were also approved to strengthen financial administration.
In the prisons and correctional administration sector, recruitment rules for the posts of Chief Head Warden, Head Warden, and Warden were revised to update service conditions and recruitment procedures.
Recognising acts of bravery by armed forces personnel from the state, the Cabinet approved the enhancement of financial assistance for gallantry award winners.
The cash grant for Param Vir Chakra awardees was increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, while recipients of the Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra will now receive Rs 50 lakh each instead of Rs 30 lakh.
The Cabinet also approved recruitment rules for newly created posts of Principals and Wardens for nursing schools and colleges under the Health and Family Welfare Department. A committee has been constituted to study the feasibility of upgrading five ANM schools into GNM institutes and submit its report within a month.
The state government additionally approved the modification of guidelines for extending financial assistance to citizens through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Cabinet was also briefed on new guidelines for strengthening and modernising the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
The revised framework proposes a fully digital e-ILP system with QR code verification at check gates, Aadhaar-based authentication, mandatory police verification for work permits, stricter penalties for violations, and the formation of district-level task forces for surprise inspections.