Itanagar, May 14: The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Thursday approved a series of important policy and administrative decisions covering recruitment reforms, urban governance, institutional strengthening, horticulture promotion and welfare measures.
Among the major decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting was approval of the “Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Rules, 2026” aimed at preventing question paper leakages and unfair practices in recruitment examinations conducted by various agencies in the state.
The Rules operationalise provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2024 and provide mechanisms for monitoring examinations, reporting offences and regulating responsibilities of examination authorities and functionaries.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Recruitment Rules relating to Administrative Officers and Chief Engineers in various departments to streamline recruitment processes and update service conditions.
In the Agriculture sector, approval was accorded for amendment of the “Planning Officer Group ‘B’ (Gazetted), Non-Ministerial Recruitment Rules, 1998,” which will now be renamed as the General Arunachal Service “Planning Officer Group ‘B’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial Rules, 2026.” The revised Rules regularise changes in pay scale, promotion norms and Departmental Promotion Committee procedures.
The Cabinet further approved framing of 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 significant boost to horticulture and agro-tourism, the Cabinet approved notification of the Pineapple Expo at Bagra in West Siang district as an annual business event under the Department of Horticulture. The initiative aims to promote “Bagra Pineapple” branding, food processing, market access, youth entrepreneurship and tourism linked to horticulture.
The Cabinet also approved merger of the lone post of Compounder under Police Training Centre, Banderdewa with the Pharmacist cadre under the Directorate of Health Services. The decision is expected to address pay anomalies and ensure compliance with provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
In another important decision, the Cabinet granted a one-time exemption from Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) for eligible candidates who had already qualified the physical tests and appeared in the written examination conducted in July 2025 by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board for recruitment of constables in Civil Police, Arunachal Armed Police Battalion and Indian Reserve Battalion. The government clarified that the exemption is a special measure and will not be treated as a precedent.
In the Urban Affairs sector, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Rules, 2026 for implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Act, 2022. The Rules provide for establishment of Rent Authorities, Rent Courts and Rent Tribunals and lay down procedures relating to tenancy agreements, registration, eviction and dispute resolution.
The Cabinet also deliberated on the proposed Arunachal Pradesh Airport Area Development Authority Bill, 2026 for planned urban development around airport regions including Hollongi near Donyi Polo Airport, Tezu and Pasighat. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce modern planning concepts such as land pooling and sustainable aero-city development.
The Finance Department’s proposals for amendment of Recruitment Rules (RR) for Assistant Auditor and framing of new Recruitment Rules for Sub-Treasury Accountant were also approved to strengthen financial administration.
Further, the Cabinet approved revised RR for the posts of Chief Head Warden, Head Warden and Warden under the Prisons and Correctional Administration Department.
Recognizing the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel from the state, the Cabinet enhanced cash grants for gallantry award recipients. Assistance for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased to Rs 1 crore from existing Rs 50 lakh, while recipients of Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra will get Rs 50 lakh each, in place of previous Rs 30 lakh.
The Cabinet also approved RR for newly-created posts of Principals and Wardens for Nursing Colleges and ANM Schools under the Department of Health & Family Welfare. Additionally, the Cabinet directed to constitute a committee to study the feasibility of upgrading five ANM schools to GNM Institutes and submit the report in one month.
The Cabinet further approved modification of guidelines for providing financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to ensure timely support and welfare assistance to citizens across the state.