ITANAGAR, 11 Oct: The state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Sunday approved a series of decisions aimed at strengthening higher and technical education, improving healthcare services, expanding support for women in distress, and streamlining administrative and institutional frameworks across the state.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved uniform, merit-based recruitment rules for several teaching and technical positions in government engineering and polytechnic colleges. In a significant step towards standardising recruitment in technical education institutions, the Cabinet approved recruitment rules for 12 categories of posts in government engineering and polytechnic colleges in accordance with the applicable All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Regulations of 2019.
The approved rules cover the posts of principal in government polytechnic colleges and government engineering colleges; assistant professor, associate professor and professor in government engineering colleges; workshop superintendent, assistant librarian, laboratory assistant, senior technical assistant and system analyst in government engineering colleges; and head of department (civil engineering) in government polytechnic colleges.
The rules are intended to establish a transparent, merit-based and uniform mechanism for appointments, in line with the AICTE Diploma and Degree Regulations, 2019.
To strengthen support for women facing distress and emergencies, the Cabinet approved the creation of 20 posts to operationalise the Women Helpline-181 scheme, in accordance with Mission Shakti guidelines.
Women Helpline-181 is a toll-free, round-the-clock service intended to provide emergency assistance and immediate response to women in distress, while connecting them with services such as medical care, shelter, legal aid, emotional support and guidance.
The Cabinet approved the renaming of Government College, Seppa, in East Kameng district, as Donglo Sonam Government College, Wessang, in honour of late Donglo Sonam, recognised for his contribution to the growth and development of East Kameng district and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Cabinet also approved the naming of the Government Higher Secondary School, Daporijo as the Late Punji Mara Government Higher Secondary School, Daporijo and the naming of the Government Model Degree College, Daporijo, as Popak Bage Government Model Degree College, Reempu Yorlo.
The Cabinet approved enhancement of grade pay for different categories of posts under the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP) in the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The decision seeks to address concerns regarding wage parity and fairness, improve staff morale and productivity, and strengthen the delivery of patient care and rehabilitation services.
In another healthcare-related decision, the Cabinet approved the creation of five posts of food safety officer, Group B, gazetted non-ministerial. The new posts are intended to address manpower gaps in the state's food law enforcement machinery and strengthen food safety monitoring and enforcement to protect public health.
Earlier, the Cabinet, on behalf of the people of the state, joined crores of Indians in celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years of continuous service as head of government on 7 October.
Modi took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat on 7 October, 2001, and continued through his service as the prime minister of India from 26 May, 2014 onwards. His third consecutive term, beginning on 9 June, 2024, reflects the deep and lasting trust placed in his leadership, the Cabinet observed.
The Cabinet extended congratulations to Modi, expressed gratitude for his life of service and tireless dedication, and reaffirmed Arunachal's resolve to work under his guidance towards a prosperous, secure, self-reliant and developed India. (CM's PR Cell)
