Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday cleared three amendment Bills through voice vote, a day after they were introduced in the House, signalling a push towards administrative reforms and trust-based governance.
The Bills relate to amendments in the Panchayati Raj framework, the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) Act, and provisions aimed at decriminalising minor offences.
The Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill was moved by Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing, while Chief Minister Pema Khandu tabled the APSSB (Amendment) Bill.
The Arunachal Pradesh Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill was introduced by Law, Legislative and Justice Minister Kento Jini.
As per the statement of objects and reasons, the Panchayati Raj amendment seeks to revise the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, with the aim of simplifying administrative procedures, removing operational bottlenecks and ensuring more efficient functioning of panchayati institutions across the state.
The APSSB (Amendment) Bill proposes changes to two sections of the 2018 Act to formally recognise the role of the chairperson and provide for a fixed tenure.
The move is intended to address disruptions caused by frequent transfers and postings of All India Service officers, which have affected the continuity of the Board’s operations.
ALSO READ: India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise ‘Khanjar’ begins in Assam
The statement further said that allowing the appointment of retired officers from organised services, who bring extensive experience and can serve for longer uninterrupted periods, would help ensure the smooth functioning of the APSSB and improve its overall effectiveness.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill seeks to amend certain existing laws to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences.
The government said the initiative is aimed at strengthening trust-based governance while improving the ease of living and doing business in Arunachal Pradesh.
