Refrain from conducting APPSCCE until 80:20 ratio is scrapped, says AFTF | The Arunachal Times

Itanagar, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 11 Jul: The Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has urged the state government to refrain from issuing or conducting the Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE) 2026 until the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio is abolished. The organization demands a complete reservation for Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates, requiring the submission of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates and permanent resident certificates (PRCs) for all government recruitments.

During a press conference held at the Press Club, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo warned that the organization would initiate a bandh if the government proceeds with the APPSCCE 2026 before addressing their demands. The examination is anticipated to take place in September, with notifications expected to be issued by the end of July or the first week of August. Nalo emphasized that issuing the notification without amending the recruitment policy would mean the examination would continue under the current 80:20 recruitment ratio.

The 80:20 recruitment ratio in question refers to the distribution of job opportunities between Scheduled Tribes and non-tribal candidates in , a state with a significant indigenous population. The AFTF argues that this ratio is inequitable and does not adequately reflect the demographics and needs of the local tribal communities. The organization’s push for a complete reservation for APST candidates is rooted in a broader movement to ensure that indigenous people have greater representation in government jobs, which they believe is essential for preserving their culture and ensuring their voices are heard in governance.

Nalo dismissed the six-member committee formed by the state government on July 6, labeling it an “eye wash.” He alleged that it was merely a repetition of a previous committee established in 2022. The earlier committee, chaired by former education minister Taba Tedir, was tasked with examining the same issue but failed to deliver timely results, submitting its report only on January 9, 2024, after a two-month extension. Nalo claimed that despite the report's submission, no action was taken, and when his team inquired at the chief secretary’s office, they were informed that the report was unavailable.

This lack of action has led to frustration among tribal communities, who feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously by the government. The AFTF believes that the government's inaction reflects a broader neglect of indigenous rights and issues, and they are calling for meaningful dialogue and action to address these disparities. The organization argues that without a substantial change in policy, the ongoing marginalization of tribal candidates in public service recruitment will continue, exacerbating existing inequalities.

According to Nalo, the new committee has a similar composition and has been given another two-month deadline, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue before the APPSCCE recruitment process begins. He argued that by the time the committee completes its work, the examination process would already be in progress, rendering its recommendations ineffective. This has led to a sense of urgency within the AFTF to mobilize support and pressure the government to act swiftly.

Nalo also criticized the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) administration for denying permission for the organization’s planned peaceful rally. He stated that the AFTF had approached Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu on July 2, seeking permission for a march from Akashdeep to IG Park on July 11. Although the organization secured the necessary no objection certificates (NOCs) from the superintendent of police and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, permission was later denied, allegedly due to pressure from the chief secretary’s office and the chief minister’s office.

The denial of permission for the rally has raised concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in . Nalo questioned why the organization, which initially raised the issue, was not consulted and claimed that the denial amounted to suppressing a peaceful democratic protest. This incident is symptomatic of broader tensions between indigenous groups and state authorities, particularly regarding representation and the right to protest.

In outlining the organization’s next steps, Nalo announced that the proposed rally on July 11 has been postponed and replaced with a one-month ultimatum for the state government. He urged the government to implement the recommendations of the 2022 committee led by Taba Tedir by making ST certificates and PRCs mandatory and abolishing the 80:20 recruitment ratio by August 10, 2026.

Nalo characterized the deadline as an ultimatum not only from the AFTF but also from the indigenous people of the region. He reiterated that the APPSCCE 2026 should not be conducted until the recruitment policy is amended. Referring to the 2021 APPSCCE, he noted that the movement was sparked when a non-tribal candidate secured the top rank, which highlighted flaws in the existing recruitment policy. The incident served as a catalyst for the AFTF’s demands, as it underscored the perceived inequities in the recruitment process that favor non-tribal candidates over indigenous ones.

Explaining the decision to defer the rally, Nalo accused the authorities of attempting to stall the movement. He stated that the AFTF has decided to give the government one final chance to resolve the issue within the one-month deadline. He expressed gratitude to the organizations and individuals from various districts who supported the proposed rally. This solidarity highlights the widespread concern among tribal communities regarding the recruitment policies and their implications for representation in government jobs.

Warning of intensified agitation, Nalo stated that if the government fails to act by August 10 or proceeds with the APPSCCE 2026 under the current recruitment policy, the AFTF would immediately call for a bandh. He added that the organization would no longer seek permission from the deputy commissioner, chief secretary, or any other authority before launching its next phase of agitation, urging the people to remain prepared for the movement. This shift in strategy indicates a growing frustration with the government’s response and a determination to escalate their demands for justice and equity in public service recruitment.

The implications of this situation are significant, as it not only affects the immediate recruitment process but also raises larger questions about the representation of indigenous communities in governance and public service. The AFTF’s demands reflect a broader struggle for rights and recognition among tribal populations in , and the outcome of this conflict could have lasting effects on the social and political landscape of the region. As tensions continue to rise, the government faces increasing pressure to address these demands in a manner that is perceived as fair and just by the communities they represent.