
An indefinite bandh began in Arunachal Pradesh's Lekang circle on Friday, protesting the cabinet's new eligibility rules for state government jobs. The rules make a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) and proficiency in at least one recognised tribal language mandatory for all direct recruitment to Group A, B and C posts. Protestors, including community organisations and student unions, argue the policy is unconstitutional and threatens non-APST residents who hold valid domicile certificates. The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union had demanded the changes and had warned of a bandh if the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio (80% for Scheduled Tribe candidates) was not scrapped. The cabinet did not abolish the ratio.
The cabinet tried to balance two aggressive groups: AAPSU demanding abolition of the 80:20 ratio, and Lekang protestors calling the new rules unconstitutional. By keeping the 80:20 ratio untouched, the government avoided one battle but ignited another. The protestors' threat of a PIL citing the Indra Sawhney judgment is the real risk. Watch whether this evening's talks between MLA Likha Soni and bandh leaders produce a compromise or push the matter to court.
Sources (3): economictimes.indiatimes.com, deccanherald.com, newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
Ashin Xavier: interesting
IO Repro: Repro test v4 after fix 2 Oct. Safe to trash.
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IO Repro: Repro test after fix 2 Oct. Safe to trash.