ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday called upon the government employees to uphold the highest standards of public service, stating that efficient governance and dedicated employees are the key drivers of development.

Interacting with the newly elected Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP), led by president Likha Tech and secretary general Leena Taggu, the Chief Minister stressed that officers and employees should spend maximum time in their offices, remain accessible to the public and ensure efficient delivery of government services.

“Strong institutions, efficient governance and dedicated employees are how Arunachal Pradesh moves forward. Public service comes first. When government employees perform efficiently, the State grows. When the State grows, the nation grows,” Khandu said.

The CoSAAP delegation called on the Chief Minister to formally introduce its newly elected executive members and to follow up on a memorandum adopted during the association’s Annual General Conference at Pasighat.

The delegation raised several issues affecting government employees, including the scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), review of an Office Memorandum issued on May 21, 2025, construction of a CoSAAP Office-cum-Bhawan, the APCS lateral entry issue, and the grant of Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

Responding to the demands, Khandu assured the delegation that he would personally take up the issue of restoring the Old Pension Scheme with the Government of India. He also reiterated that the Arunachal Pradesh Government would implement the recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission after they are accepted by the Centre and officially notified.

The delegation was informed that the review of the May 21, 2025 Office Memorandum is already underway, while the proposal for Leave Travel Concession is being examined by the Finance Department.

On the APCS lateral entry issue, the Chief Minister’s Office informed CoSAAP that since the matter is sub judice, the viva voce process has been kept in abeyance pending an appropriate resolution.

Khandu also assured the association that the request for financial assistance for construction of a CoSAAP Office-cum-Bhawan would be considered sympathetically.

Expressing satisfaction over the meeting, CoSAAP thanked the Chief Minister for his positive response and assurances, while expressing hope that the pending issues concerning government employees would be addressed at the earliest.