A conglomeration of organisations, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation, the Arunachal Nari Shakti, the Indigenous Movement against Corruption and for Reformation, the Arunachal Indigenous Peoples Forum, and the Save Arunachal Youth Association recently organised a protest rally, demanding recruitment of only the indigenous people of the state as gramin dak sevaks (GDS) in the postal department. They allege that many non-APST people have been appointed as GDS in Arunachal Pradesh, and sought cancellation of their appointment. If what these organisations are claiming is true, it is a matter of serious concern.
The local people should have equal opportunity for employment as GDS’. It seems many were not aware of these posts. Most probably it was not properly advertised in the local dailies of the state. The postal department should look into the matter and address the concerns of the local indigenous people. Everyone has the right to seek employment opportunities anywhere in the country if he or she is a bonafide citizen of India, but the Northeast is a unique region. Unlike mainland India, where, due to private sectors, employment opportunities are better off, the situation is worse in the NE region. People mostly depend on government jobs. Also, geographically, the location is unique and often people from mainland India find it difficult to adjust. Therefore, locals might perform better as GDS’.