Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called upon the newly recruited assistant engineers (AEs) to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as they embark on their journey in public service. Speaking at a ceremony held to hand over appointment orders to successful candidates of the Arunachal Pradesh Engineering Services Examination (APESE) 2026, the chief minister reminded the recruits that their primary responsibility lies in serving the people of the state with dedication and pride. Out of over 5,000 applicants who participated in the competitive examination conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), 161 candidates were selected purely on merit.
Emphasizing the transformative role of engineers in a developing state, Khandu noted that these young professionals will be integrated into critical departments, including Public Works, Rural Works, Power, Urban Development, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources. He highlighted that they will be at the forefront of infrastructure creation and essential service delivery, asserting that their collective dedication will ultimately define the future trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh. The chief minister urged the engineers to prioritize the quality execution of projects and ensure timely delivery through seamless interdepartmental coordination.
In a move toward modernization, Khandu encouraged the new recruits to adopt innovative and context-specific technologies tailored to the state’s unique geographical and climatic challenges. He stressed the importance of staying updated with global technological advancements and maintaining a people-centric approach to ensure that every citizen feels heard and supported. The chief minister also lauded the APPSC for its professionalism, noting that the commission was recently honored with the State Gold Medal and the chief minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for its exemplary performance.
Reflecting on the evolution of the state’s recruitment system, Khandu recalled the challenges faced prior to 2016, noting that the process previously lacked the necessary transparency and uniformity. He credited systemic reforms under his leadership for creating a merit-based environment that is now considered among the most transparent in the country. The chief minister stated that the fairness of the system has gained such widespread trust that even unsuccessful candidates have expressed satisfaction with the integrity of the selection process.
Turning to the broader vision for the state, the chief minister highlighted the significant developmental strides made over the past decade, supported by the central government. He pointed toward the state’s rising success in sports, entrepreneurship, and the startup ecosystem as evidence that Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a hub of innovation. Concluding his address, Khandu spoke on the state’s economic progress and the vast potential for energy-led growth through hydropower, envisioning a future of self-reliance and sustained prosperity driven by the state’s young talent.
