AAPSU slams Minister over 80:20 ratio remarks, seeks apology within 12 hours | The Arunachal Times

Itanagar, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 11 Jul: The All Students’ Union (AAPSU) has strongly condemned a recent statement by Minister Nyato Dukam, who chairs the committee examining the abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio. The union described his remarks as immature and irresponsible, asserting that the issue falls squarely within the constitutional powers of the state government.

The AAPSU has demanded that Dukam clarify his statement and apologize to the union and the people of the state within 12 hours.

During a media briefing, Dukam cautioned that the state’s 80:20 job reservation policy could face legal challenges if contested in court. This warning comes amid increasing demands from various organizations to abolish the provision that reserves 20 percent of jobs for non-APST candidates. He raised concerns about who would be held accountable for the consequences if the existing reservation were to be scrapped altogether.

Reacting sharply, the AAPSU stated that Dukam's comments were deeply immature and unbecoming of a minister who chairs the committee responsible for examining this critical issue. The union accused him of attempting to instill fear and confusion among the indigenous population regarding a matter of fundamental importance, rather than providing the legal clarity and seriousness the situation demands.

The AAPSU emphasized that as the committee chairman, Dukam is expected to maintain neutrality, uphold the integrity of the process, and engage in consultations with all stakeholders before expressing any public opinion.

Furthermore, the union expressed that Dukam's remarks have demoralized many supporters of a review of the existing policy, undermining the concerns and intellect of the AAPSU, which it described as a respected institution advocating for the rights and interests of the indigenous people.

Notably, the timing of Dukam’s press statement coincided with the AAPSU’s own announcement on the same day, which the union interpreted as indicative of a hostile attitude towards the issue, raising concerns about the impartiality expected from the committee’s chairman.

The AAPSU categorically rejected the minister’s apprehensions, asserting that the reservation policy for state government recruitment is a state subject governed by Articles 15 (4) and 16 (4) of the Constitution of India. These articles empower states to make special provisions for Scheduled Tribes. The union argued that there is no legal barrier preventing the state government from revising the ratio to reflect the demographics of a state where the population is predominantly indigenous tribal.

Instead of fostering apprehension and confusion, the AAPSU urged the chairman to provide legal clarity, confidence, and leadership on this significant issue.

AAPSU president Meje Taku expressed disappointment at hearing such statements from a sitting minister who also chairs the committee examining the issue. “Instead of offering clarity, leadership, and legal confidence to the process, the minister has chosen to spread apprehension. Our neighboring states have maintained similar reservation policies for decades without any court challenges. If they can do it, so can we. The abolition of the 80:20 ratio is well within the powers of the state government, and no one should be allowed to create doubt for political convenience,” Taku stated, adding that the minister seems disconnected from the gravity of the issue and the sentiments of the people.

Taku further emphasized that the union expects the committee chairman to conduct himself with the seriousness and legal rigor that the issue demands, rather than making public statements that undermine the very process he is entrusted to lead. He asserted that the AAPSU would not permit fear-mongering to derail what it considers a legitimate and constitutionally sound demand of the state’s indigenous population.

In the interest of fostering fair and meaningful dialogue, Taku reiterated that Dukam should clarify his statement and apologize to the AAPSU and the people of the state within 12 hours for remarks that have caused hurt, misunderstanding, and demoralization among stakeholders.

“The aspirations and concerns of the indigenous people deserve respectful consideration, free from fear, confusion, or political posturing,” he concluded.

The AAPSU has called upon the state government to ensure that the committee proceeds with due diligence and full seriousness, reiterating that the abolition of the 80:20 ratio remains the union’s topmost and non-negotiable priority.

The 80:20 reservation ratio has been a contentious issue in , where the indigenous population has long sought to secure their rights and opportunities in employment against the backdrop of demographic changes and migration. The policy reserves 80 percent of government jobs for Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates and 20 percent for non-APST candidates. This division has often sparked debates about equity, representation, and the protection of indigenous rights.

In recent years, various student and community organizations have ramped up their advocacy for a review of this policy, arguing that it is essential to adapt to changing demographics and ensure that the indigenous population is not sidelined in their own state. The call for a review has been met with resistance from some groups who argue that such changes could undermine the rights of non-APST individuals who have also contributed to the state’s development.

Minister Dukam’s remarks come at a time when the state is grappling with these complex socio-political dynamics. His caution about potential legal challenges reflects a broader concern among policymakers about the implications of revising long-standing reservation policies. Legal challenges to such policies can be lengthy and contentious, often leading to uncertainty for both job seekers and the government alike.

In the context of , where tribal identity and rights are closely intertwined with the state’s socio-economic fabric, the debate over the 80:20 ratio is not merely an administrative issue but a matter of cultural significance. The AAPSU’s strong response to Dukam’s comments underscores the sensitivity surrounding this topic and the high stakes involved for the indigenous population.

As the committee led by Dukam continues its deliberations, the AAPSU has called for transparency and inclusivity in the process. The union has expressed its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with the government, emphasizing that any changes to the reservation policy should be approached with careful consideration of the voices and needs of all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the ongoing discourse surrounding the 80:20 reservation ratio in highlights the complexities of balancing indigenous rights, legal frameworks, and the socio-economic realities of the state. The AAPSU’s demand for accountability from Minister Dukam reflects a broader desire among the indigenous population for assurance that their rights will be upheld and that any changes to policies affecting their livelihoods will be made with the utmost care and respect for their aspirations.