Arunachal Pradesh cabinet clears decisions on healthcare, education and jobs

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Thursday approved a series of key policy decisions aimed at strengthening healthcare services, improving public safety, boosting education infrastructure, enhancing urban governance, protecting the environment, and generating employment across the state.

The Cabinet approved engaging HLL Lifecare Ltd, a Government of India enterprise under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, to develop diagnostic infrastructure in 256 sub-centres, 82 primary health centres (PHCs), 25 community health centres (CHCs) and 64 block public health units.

The initiative will be implemented under the 15th Finance Commission health grants, an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office said.

As part of the same initiative, HLL Lifecare Ltd will also implement a laboratory management information system (LMIS) across all health facilities in the state, including medical colleges, general and district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres. The Cabinet noted that tele-radiology CT scan services implemented through HLL Lifecare Ltd at Aalo, Bomdila, Khonsa, Namsai, Tawang, Tezu, Yingkiong and Ziro have already benefited nearly 12,000 patients.

To further strengthen diagnostic radiology services, the Cabinet approved HLL Lifecare Ltd to obtain Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) certification for all general and district hospitals and CHCs in the state.

Officials said the creation of diagnostic infrastructure aims to provide accessible and affordable quality services closer to communities, reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, and enable evidence-based patient management, leading to better healthcare outcomes.

The Cabinet also approved the procurement of 40 mobile medical units (MMUs) under the Vibrant Villages Programme, funded by the Home Affairs Ministry, through HLL Lifecare Ltd. Operational support for the units will be provided under the National Health Mission.

The MMUs will serve 455 vibrant villages across 11 border districts: Anjaw, Dibang Valley, East Kameng, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Dibang Valley, Shi Yomi, Tawang, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri and West Kameng.

Each mobile unit will provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including outpatient care, maternal and child health services, elderly care, basic diagnostics such as portable handheld X-ray with AI support, essential medicines, screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases, teleconsultation, and referral services. The initiative is expected to improve health indicators, reduce out-of-pocket expenses and enhance quality of life in border areas.

In view of rising fire accidents and the need for a stronger disaster response framework, the Cabinet approved the proposal to enact the Arunachal Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2025, replacing the existing 1991 Act.

The new legislation aims to modernize the legal and operational framework of the department and will be placed before the state Legislative Assembly for passage. The Cabinet also approved special grade promotions for fire and emergency services personnel on completion of 15, 20 and 30 years of service, to address career stagnation and recognize long years of service. A total of 142 personnel will benefit from this decision.

To strengthen prison administration, the Cabinet approved the creation of 91 posts for seven sub-jails located at Longding, Khonsa, Changlang, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Aalo and Koloriang. The posts include seven chief wardens, 28 head wardens (male), seven head wardens (female), 42 male wardens, and seven female wardens.

In a major step to strengthen human resources in the education sector, the Cabinet approved the creation of 58 posts.

This includes 14 administrative, non-teaching and teaching posts, along with 32 assistant professor posts, for the government model degree colleges at Piyong in Namsai district and Kanubari in Longding district, enabling the start of academic activities.

Additionally, 12 assistant professor posts were approved to introduce sociology, commerce, and mass communication courses in select government colleges across the state, aimed at expanding access to higher education and creating employment opportunities for youth.

The Cabinet also approved the creation of a Directorate of Urban Local Bodies under the Urban Affairs Department, in line with the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

To address cadre stagnation in the forest department, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation of residency requirements under the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Service Rules, 2019.

This will allow immediate promotions against existing vacancies without any additional financial burden. A total of 48 APFS officers will directly benefit, while around 60 frontline forest officers will receive indirect promotional benefits.

The Cabinet further approved the Recruitment Rules for the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for Pakke, Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves. The decision will facilitate recruitment to 324 posts of special tiger guards, strengthen wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts under Project Tiger, and generate employment for local youth.

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