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ES Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 28: In response to the seven-day ultimatum issued by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) demanding accountability on reinstating of officials involved in the APPSC job scam, the Education Department has submitted a comprehensive report outlining the progress of the investigation, challenges faced, and corrective measures taken to address the scandal that has deeply shaken public trust.
Speaking to the media, Byabang Hapo Dui, Finance Secretary-AAPSU stated “One of the most contentious aspects of the case is the reinstatement of six officials who had been suspended following their alleged involvement in the paper leak. Despite the gravity of the allegations, these officials were reinstated after securing bail, raising concerns about the department’s ability to maintain impartiality and prioritise justice.”
He further added that after going through the report provided by the Department, it has been found that the investigation has been plagued by significant delays, particularly in determining appropriate punishments for the accused. Some officials have exploited legal loopholes to avoid consequences including retiring before disciplinary actions could be taken. Others have managed to secure reinstatement due to procedural lapses, such as the failure to conduct timely suspension reviews.
Adding to these challenges are serious allegations of sabotage, with claims suggesting that some officials linked to the accused may have deliberately hindered the investigation. Although these allegations remain unproven, they highlight the need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the matter.
Compounding the situation are delays in the submission of inquiry reports by officers tasked with investigating the case. While a few officers have submitted conclusive reports, several key investigations remain incomplete, stalling progress and justice. The frequent reassignment of officers handling the case, often without proper communication or valid justification, has further disrupted the continuity of the investigation, creating confusion and inefficiency, said Hapo.
The report of the Education Department also claimed that, officials such as Posi Gamlin (BEO) and Iken Bagra(BEO), who were previously reinstated, have been suspended again. Cases involving individuals like Joi Sora (PRT) and Tama Saroh (PRT), who remain under suspension, are awaiting final decisions from either the courts or disciplinary authorities. Retired officials such as Tanyang Gaduk (HA) and Radek Romin (BEO)will still face departmental proceedings under the Central Civil Services (CCS) rules, ensuring accountability despite their retirement.
The department has also introduced reforms to improve transparency and operational efficiency. A new electronic file management system has been implemented, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing accountability. To address manpower shortages and reduce conflicts of interest, a widespread reshuffling of officials has been carried out, with transfers and postings ensuring better resource allocation and reduced internal bias.
The focus now is on resolving pending cases and concluding investigations without further delays. Inquiry officers who have yet to submit their reports have been directed to do so within the coming weeks, as their findings are critical to ensuring timely justice. Additionally, steps are being taken to reassign judicial branch officers to roles where potential conflicts of interest are minimized, further safeguarding the impartiality of the investigation, claimed the report.
The APPSC paper leak scandal has highlighted the urgent need for structural and procedural reforms within the Education Department, said Byabang Hapo Dui while giving commitment to continue with this issue.