ITANAGAR, 14 Aug: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) on Friday welcomed the state government's decision to scrap the 80:20 recruitment ratio, terming it the outcome of a prolonged movement seeking greater safeguards for the indigenous people in government employment.
AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo said that the decision should be implemented in a phased and comprehensive manner, and urged the government to "extend the reform to promotions and review the existing roster system."
He said the three eligibility requirements approved by the government - a valid Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate, permanent residence certificate (PRC) and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language - effectively address concerns raised over the 80:20 recruitment system.
Defending the provisions against possible constitutional challenges, Nalo referred to Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution, and said "they should be viewed in the context of Arunachal Pradesh' distinct demographic composition and constitutional safeguards."
Addressing the media at the press club here, Nalo argued that the eligibility criteria does not amount to discrimination on grounds prohibited under Article 15 as they are based on APST status, permanent residency and indigenous language proficiency.
Referring to Article 16, which guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment, Nalo cited Article 16(4), which permits the state to make provisions for reservation in appointments or posts in favour of backward classes that, in the state's opinion, are not adequately represented in government services.
"Arunachal Pradesh is a 100 per cent ST state," he said, asserting that recruitment policies should reflect its unique tribal composition.
Nalo also defended the indigenous language requirement, saying that similar provisions exist in other Northeastern states, and that such a criterion would contribute to preserving the state's indigenous languages.
He said candidates would be required to possess basic proficiency in at least one indigenous language recognised by the state.
Nalo further said that if the new eligibility criteria are challenged and struck down by a court, similar provisions relating to language, domicile and tribal status in other Northeastern states should also face the same legal scrutiny.
Tracing the movement against the 80:20 ratio, Nalo said its recent phase gathered momentum following the 2021 Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE), in which Anmol Singh emerged the topper.
He said the demand was subsequently raised before the government on several occasions, and the latest decision came after nearly five years of sustained efforts.
Nalo thanked the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the former All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) team and AFTF members for supporting the movement.
Welcoming the government's decision, he reiterated that the reforms should be implemented comprehensively, "including in promotions and through a review of the roster system."
