Itanagar: The Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) has rebuffed the action taken reports by the state government on their 12-point charter demands, deeming it both a mere façade and a derision of the issue’s gravity.
Addressing the media at the Press Club here, PAJSC vice-chairman, Tadak Nalo, voiced discontent, asserting that “the state government’s report not only downplays the sentiments of the public, who have ardently sought a brighter future for their children but also serves as a pretext to procrastinate.”
In response, the committee has dispatched a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, offering an overview and response for the expeditious fulfillment of their demands.
Nalo stressed the urgency for the chief minister’s immediate attention, particularly in light of the protracted issue of the APPSC cash-for-job scam. While acknowledging the state government’s actions, Nalo underscored the imperative of incorporating and endorsing the committee’s recommendations.
To expedite resolution, Nalo has urged the chief minister to convene a meeting with PAJSC members on December 12.
Reiterating their demands, including the scrutiny of APPSC chairman, secretary, members, and officials, the erection of a statue honoring Gyamar Padang, rescindment of the suspension order against PAJSC chairman Techi Puru, remuneration for Gyamar Padang’s kin, and implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2023, Nalo emphasized the need for a comprehensive discussion.
“This should also encompass the withdrawal of charges against protesters and compensation for those injured during the public bandh on February 17-18,” he said.
Highlighting a disjunction between the state government’s reports, Nalo stressed the necessity for a round-table discussion with the chief minister, especially given the chief secretary’s disclaimer that he lacks the authority to make decisions in this matter.
Simultaneously, Mudang Yabyang, a person with disabilities (PwD) candidate, critiqued the state government’s action taken report.
Specifically addressing her situation, Yabyang contended that it necessitates execution, not merely written assurance. She questioned the state government’s response to the ‘reformation’ notification issued to the APPSC, asserting that it has been in existence since 2019.
Yabyang highlighted the department of social justice & empowerment and tribal affairs (SJETA) approval of a 5% relaxation for PWD candidates in any examination.
Disputing the state government’s claim in the action taken report that she is unqualified despite the 5% relaxation, Yabyang referenced an RTI report from the SJETA department affirming her qualification for the post of lecturer in electrical engineering at the Polytechnic College.
The question paper leak incident came to light after one Gyamar Padung, a candidate of the APPSC assistant engineer (civil) examination himself, filed a police complaint before the Itanagar police station on August 29 claiming that he suspected that the examination paper had been leaked.
The case was initially investigated by the Capital police and later transferred to the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) of the state police and then the CBI.
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