Arunachal cabinet meets at Kibithu, clears major reforms in power, education, and governance

Marking a first for the state, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet held its meeting at Kibithu, the last outpost along the India-China (Tibet) border in Anjaw district, underlining a strategic push for border area development and inclusive governance.

 

Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his cabinet approved the formation of a joint venture company — M/s NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited — between the state government and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) to execute five major hydroelectric projects in Shi-Yomi district: Tato I, Heo, Tato II, Naying, and Hirong. Of these, Tato I and Heo have already received central clearance and are expected to begin construction shortly.

 

This move is part of the broader plan to revive 13 large hydroelectric projects through MoAs signed with central public sector undertakings (PSUs) in 2023. To support this, the Cabinet also approved amendments to the State Hydro Power Policy, 2008 and Local Area Development Fund Guidelines, 2022, mandating power producers to contribute 1% of free power directly to local development funds for project-affected areas — a decision aimed at enhancing benefits to local communities without straining state finances.

 

Another key decision included the restoration of the 144 MW Gongri HEP to M/s Dirang Energy Private Limited, making it the first project revived under the newly introduced “Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025.”

 

The Department of Hydro Power Development will undergo structural reforms with basin-wise work allocations to zonal, circle, and division-level offices. To bolster implementation, 84 technical and 12 non-technical posts were sanctioned — aligning with the government’s earlier declaration of the “Decade of Hydropower.”

 

In education, the Cabinet approved the Teachers’ Transfer and Posting Policy, 2025, replacing the 2019–2020 version. Transfers and postings for regular teachers and non-ministerial staff will now be processed through a fully automated Teachers Registry Portal — a move designed to improve transparency, fairness, and efficiency in staffing across schools.

 

Additional education-related approvals included:

 

1. Creation of 32 teaching and non-teaching posts for Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat.
2. Introduction of the “Marking Scheme for Direct Recruitment Rules, 2025” for PGTs and TGTs, aligning with national NCTE standards to facilitate swift recruitment and ensure quality teaching.

 

To strengthen internal security and law enforcement, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 200 Home Guard posts on a voluntary basis under the Arunachal Pradesh Home Guards Rules, 2023. These personnel will assist the police across districts, especially in high-traffic or sensitive areas, and aid in emergency response efforts.

 

In governance, the Cabinet cleared restructuring of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS). The number of Secretary posts was increased from 3 to 8, and Additional Secretary posts from 8 to 13. The position of Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) has been redesignated as Assistant Commissioner. The Personnel Department has been tasked with submitting a report on cadre-related matters within two months.

 

The Mission Karmayogi tripartite agreement with the Government of India and the Capacity Building Commission was also approved. This will enable tailored training for state employees to improve public service delivery.

 

To empower local administration, Deputy Commissioners will now have authority to suspend district officials under specific circumstances. Additionally, the newly launched Mukhya Mantri Viksit Arunachal District Fellowship Program will deploy 35 fellows and 65 assistant fellows to assist DCs in executing development goals.

 

Other key decisions included:

 

1. Framing of AP Boilers (Inquiry, Adjudication and Appeal) Rules, 2025 to streamline industrial safety governance.
2. Amendment of recruitment rules for the Department of Land Management to align with 7th CPC norms.
3. Review of the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre to boost regional industrialisation.
4. In-principle approval of the Sunrise Festival in Anjaw District, envisioned as a five-day cultural celebration around New Year to promote tourism, where the country’s first sunrise is seen at Dong.