Illegal adoption of non-APST a threat to tribal society: Arunachal govt

Following several complaints that non-tribals had been illegally obtaining ST certificates by means of adoption, the Arunachal government has issued a notification addressing the same.

The notification addresses concerns in the Upper Siang district. Authorities fear unrest among the indigenous communities of the state in future, if such cases of illegal adoption of Non-APST persons do not stop soon.

“Some local people are illegally obtaining Birth Certificate for their Non-APST siblings by may of Adoption or by simply claiming to be their natural father. Once fathers’ name is entered in the Birth Certificate it becomes legal for that Non APST person to obtain ST/PRC which is highly detrimental for the very existence of our tribal society in the coming days,” read the official notification, dated August 20, 2021.

“Any village Head or person found to be involved in such an act will have to step down from his/her posts and strict action will be initiated as per appropriate provisions of law,” the order warned, further appealing to the Village heads to refrain from indulging in such unlawful practices. As per the authorities, many non-tribals appear before the office of the issuing authorities, applying for ST/PRC with the support of some local people.