Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Implements Key Policy Changes
Significant Decisions Made in Cabinet Meeting
Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting held on Thursday
Itanagar, May 14: The Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh convened on Thursday to endorse a range of important policy and administrative measures, which include the introduction of new anti-paper leak regulations for recruitment tests, enhanced Inner Line Permit (ILP) protocols, and austerity initiatives for government officials and ministers.
During the meeting, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, various proposals concerning governance, recruitment, urban development, welfare, and institutional reforms were thoroughly discussed across different departments.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity, the cabinet declared a one-year prohibition on foreign travel for ministers and officials, reduced VIP convoys by 50%, adopted a 'virtual first' meeting approach, imposed restrictions on new vehicle acquisitions, promoted e-office systems, initiated energy-saving measures, and encouraged organic farming along with 'buy local, buy swadeshi' campaigns.
Regarding ILP reforms, the cabinet sanctioned new guidelines for 2026, which include a fully digital e-ILP system featuring QR-code verification, Aadhaar-based authentication, police verification for work permits, stricter penalties for violations, and district-level enforcement initiatives.
To address examination malpractices, the cabinet approved the establishment of the 'Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Rules, 2026'.
These regulations are designed to enhance protections against question paper leaks and to implement the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination Act, 2024.
Additionally, amendments to recruitment rules for administrative officers, chief engineers, and various other positions were approved to streamline hiring processes and update service conditions.
In the Agriculture sector, changes to the planning officer group 'B' recruitment rules were sanctioned to regularize modifications related to pay scales, promotion criteria, and consultation processes with the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
The updated rules will be referred to as the 'General Arunachal Service Planning Officer Group 'B', Gazetted, Non-Ministerial Rules, 2026'. Recruitment rules were also established for 20 newly created Group-C positions within the land management department, which includes 10 computer assistants and 10 senior computer assistants.
The cabinet approved a proposal from the Home department to merge the single post of compounder at the Police Training Centre in Banderdewa with the pharmacist cadre under the Health Services directorate.
This decision aims to eliminate pay discrepancies and ensure adherence to the Pharmacy Act of 1948, as stated in the announcement.
A one-time exemption from the physical efficiency test and physical standard test was also granted to eligible candidates who had previously passed the physical tests and later participated in the written examination conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board in July 2025 for the recruitment of constables in civil police, Arunachal Armed Police Battalion, and India Reserve Battalion.
In the urban affairs domain, the cabinet approved the 'Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Rules, 2026', which aim to establish a transparent rental housing framework through the creation of Rent Authorities, Rent Courts, and Rent Tribunals.
The cabinet also reviewed the proposed 'Arunachal Pradesh Airport Area Development Authority Bill, 2026', which seeks to foster organized urban development around airport zones, including areas adjacent to Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, Tezu, and Pasighat.
This proposed legislation aims to incorporate contemporary urban planning principles such as land pooling and sustainable aero-city development.
The finance department received approval for modifications to recruitment rules for assistant auditors and the establishment of new regulations for sub-treasury accountants to enhance financial governance.
Furthermore, the government approved an increase in cash grants for gallantry award recipients from the state.
Support for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, while recipients of the Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra will now receive ₹50 lakh instead of ₹30 lakh.