Editor,

I would like to pen down a few lines in appreciation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his government for transforming Arunachal Pradesh in various sectors.

One of the most significant reforms undertaken under his leadership in the employment sector is the establishment of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), a separate recruiting agency for Group C, Group D, and non-ministerial posts under the state government. This was the first initiative of its kind in the state.

For many years, appointments in various departments were allegedly influenced by recommendations and unofficial means. Such recommendation-based appointments caused significant losses to the state, as many unfairly appointed candidates lacked the calibre, skills, and competence required to discharge their responsibilities effectively. This ultimately affected the efficiency and functioning of several government departments.

Moreover, such practices deprived many deserving and meritorious candidates of their fundamental right to equal opportunity in public employment, as guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution of India.

With the establishment of the APSSB, the deeply rooted culture of recommendation-based appointments has largely been curbed across departments. It has paved the way for merit-based recruitment, thereby creating a pool of knowledgeable, skilled, and competent manpower in the government sector.

Secondly, parallel startup and entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Arunachal Startup Challenge under the APIIP and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY) under the Department of Planning and Investment have also created a substantial impact in terms of employment generation and self-employment through entrepreneurship.

During the recent budget session, while acknowledging the positive impact created through the DDUSY, Khandu stated in the Assembly that the budget allocation and beneficiary quota under the scheme would be doubled, which is highly commendable.

However, while appreciating the success of the DDUSY, he also rightly acknowledged complaints and concerns surrounding the scheme. The DDUSY is intended to function as a front-end subsidy scheme for unemployed graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs who come up with promising business ideas or are already running MSMEs at the district level. Unfortunately, allegations of nepotism and favouritism in the selection process of beneficiaries still persist.

Recognising this issue, the chief minister urged legislators and members of the council of ministers not to interfere in or recommend candidates for the beneficiary selection process.

I sincerely hope that the government officially issues strict directions to the district level screening committees to disregard all forms of recommendations from MLAs or political figures during the selection process. Only then can the scheme truly benefit deserving entrepreneurs instead of being misused by certain recommended candidates who may have little genuine interest, passion, or commitment towards entrepreneurship and employment generation, and who merely seek to avail themselves of the subsidy amount for personal purchases such as vehicles and luxury items.

Thirdly, the Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana and the Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana, subsidised schemes of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, are highly commendable initiatives. These two schemes are gradually transforming the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the state.

However, concerns have recently emerged regarding the beneficiary selection process under these schemes as well. Allegations of undue influence from MLAs and ZPMs have surfaced, preventing many genuine and deserving farmers from availing themselves of the benefits of the schemes. Therefore, strict guidelines are necessary to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.

There are also concerns that government servants and relatives of influential political figures are availing benefits under these schemes, thereby defeating the very purpose of the scheme. These schemes should primarily benefit hardworking and deserving farmers who genuinely contribute towards agricultural and horticultural development in the state.

Apart from these reforms brought under the CM’s leadership, numerous developmental projects in infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, roads, colleges, and universities have also been undertaken, which is commendable without a doubt.

Arunachal will undoubtedly continue to progress and shine under his leadership.

Jeta Riba