Arunachal: Protests against postal dept allegedly hiring non-APST individuals

They voiced their concerns about the ongoing recruitment of GDS positions and called for the cancellation of appointments of individuals not from APST

Several organisations, including the Indigenous Movement Against Corruption and for Reformation (IMAC&R), the Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA), and the Nari Shakti, held a protest rally today in Itanagar. They voiced their concerns about the ongoing recruitment of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions and called for the cancellation of appointments of individuals not from Arunachal State Transport Service (APST).

“We are protesting because we have noticed that the postal department in our area has opened 866 branch offices. The interview results were shared online, and we have observed that there are more outsiders than people from our state. This situation is concerning because the postal department has allocated a reservation of 45% for General category, 5% for OBC, and 50% for ST. This has created difficulties for us,” said Likha Rajnik, President of Save Arunachal Save Indigenous (SASI).

“We had discussions with the northeast director and assistant director, who promised to cancel these appointments. We have requested written confirmation or a media release to clarify the situation. Our main goal is to ensure that the youth of Arunachal get these job opportunities, as our state is in need of employment. Unfortunately, no concrete results have emerged from our discussions so far, which is why we are staging this protest to make our stance clear,” added Likha Rajnik.

The organizations also demanded that candidates be required to write exams in local languages or dialects.

Here are the key demands of the protest:
1. The government of Arunachal Pradesh has already recognized the need for recruitment in the local language or dialect in Gramin Dak Seva Recruitment rules.
2. Candidates should possess a domicile certificate from the state they are applying for.
3. The appointment of APST unemployed youth from Arunachal should be prioritized for the 866 branch offices.
4. Immediate cancellation of earlier appointments of non-APST individuals in Arunachal Pradesh.
5. An immediate halt to the ongoing recruitment of non-APST candidates for 866 post office branches and 2596 posts.

Also Read : Arunachal’s Tirap becomes first district in the state to achieve 100% tap water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission

COMMENTS