Nyato Dukam says the state’s job reservation framework could face judicial scrutiny amid growing demands to abolish the 20% quota for non-APST candidates
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Industries and IPR Minister Nyato Dukam has cautioned that the state’s 80:20 job reservation policy could be struck down if challenged in court, adding a legal dimension to the ongoing debate over recruitment rules.
Speaking amid growing demands to abolish the provision reserving 20 per cent of certain government posts for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) candidates, Dukam said the entire reservation framework could face judicial scrutiny.
“If someone goes to court, there are apprehensions that the entire 80:20 reservation policy may get scrapped because we are reserving jobs against the Central government’s job policy,” the minister said.
His remarks come as several student organisations, unions and civil society groups continue to demand that all state government jobs be reserved exclusively for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates.
Dukam indicated that any legal challenge may not be limited to the disputed 20 per cent quota but could potentially affect the entire reservation structure currently followed by the state.
The issue has gained momentum in recent weeks, with supporters arguing that the existing policy ensures administrative balance, while opponents contend that government employment opportunities should remain exclusively for indigenous tribal communities.
The minister’s remarks have intensified the debate by highlighting concerns over the long-term legal sustainability of the state’s reservation policy if subjected to judicial review.
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