Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a significant decision allowing members of the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh to register at employment exchanges in Assam’s Tinsukia district. This move is aimed at enhancing their access to government recruitment and other employment opportunities.
The decision addresses a long-standing demand from the Moran community, particularly those living in areas bordering Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, who have faced challenges in securing formal employment avenues. It is expected to provide substantial relief and open new pathways for job seekers from the community.
What was announced
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the Cabinet’s approval following a meeting. The decision permits individuals of the Moran community who reside in Arunachal Pradesh to register with employment exchanges located in Tinsukia district.
According to Sarma, this registration is contingent upon them possessing a valid Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates issued by the Government of Assam. The Chief Minister said the initiative would enable eligible members of the community to participate in government recruitment processes and other employment-linked schemes in Assam.
Why it matters
This decision holds considerable significance for the Moran community, an indigenous ethnic group found primarily in Upper Assam and adjoining parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Historically, individuals from the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh have struggled to obtain Permanent Residence Certificates from the Arunachal administration, which limited their access to government benefits, education, and employment opportunities.
By allowing registration in Tinsukia employment exchanges, the Assam government is effectively extending its employment infrastructure to a segment of the Moran population that has been geographically and administratively disadvantaged. This will enable them to compete for government jobs and avail of reservations applicable to the Moran community in Assam.
Background
The Moran community has a rich history, having maintained an independent chiefdom before the advent of Ahom rule in Upper Assam. They are primarily concentrated in districts like Tinsukia and Dibrugarh in Assam, with a significant population also residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai, Lohit, and Changlang districts.
For years, the community has been vocal about various demands, including recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. In March 2025, the Assam government had already announced its decision to issue Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) to members of the Moran community living in Arunachal Pradesh to address their long-standing issues concerning official recognition and access to state benefits. Chief Minister Sarma had then stated that this step was taken proactively by Assam due to the difficulties faced by the Arunachal Pradesh government in issuing PRCs to these individuals.
Employment exchange registration is a crucial step for securing many Grade C and Grade D government posts in Assam, with the process having been digitized since September 27, 2021. Previously, registration was strictly limited to permanent residents within their respective residential districts. This latest cabinet decision carves out a specific exception for the Moran community in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the government’s intent to integrate them into Assam’s employment ecosystem.
The Assam Cabinet has been actively pursuing various employment generation initiatives. In May 2026, the government approved the formation of a task force to create a roadmap for providing two lakh government jobs over five years. Earlier decisions also included sanctioning recruitment for about 10,000 government posts in December 2022 and re-appointing Junior Engineers in February 2026.
Key details
The Cabinet decision specifically allows members of the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh to register at employment exchanges in Tinsukia district.
To be eligible for this registration, individuals must possess a valid Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) and OBC certificates issued by the Government of Assam.
The registration process for employment exchanges in Assam is primarily online, managed by the Department of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship. While typically requiring permanent residency within the district of registration, this new directive provides a specific allowance for the Moran community from Arunachal Pradesh.
What’s next
Following this Cabinet approval, the relevant departments are expected to initiate the necessary administrative procedures to facilitate the registration of eligible Moran community members at the Tinsukia employment exchanges. This will likely involve updating online portals and providing clear guidelines for applicants. The move is anticipated to enhance participation of the Moran community in upcoming government recruitment drives and other employment-related schemes in Assam.