Arunachal Protesters Demand End to 80-20 Job Reservation

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Itanagar on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to demand the removal of the 80:20 job reservation ratio in state government recruitment. The rally, organized by the Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF), saw tribal youths, parents, and civil society members march from the Akashdeep market area to Indira Gandhi Park despite heavy morning rain. The demonstrators are calling for the immediate abolition of the current hiring policy to secure more employment opportunities for local residents.

AFTF Demands 100 Percent Reservation

The AFTF is pushing for a 100% job reservation policy for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates. Protesters argue that the current 20% allocation for open or non-APST candidates limits the career prospects of indigenous youths in the state. The organization has requested that the state government mandate Scheduled Tribe status and Permanent Resident Certificates for all competitive exams held by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board by August 15.

Threat of Statewide Protests

AFTF Chairman Tadak Nalo addressed the crowd during the demonstration and criticized the government for repeatedly forming high-level review committees instead of taking action. Nalo stated that these committees are being used as a strategy to delay the necessary policy changes. The AFTF has issued a warning that it will launch statewide agitations if the government does not act to remove the 80:20 ratio within the specified timeframe.