The Karnataka government has put a hold on a contentious bill that mandates private firms in the state to reserve jobs for Kannadigas. The bill, which was cleared on Monday, requires firms in India’s IT capital to prioritize local hires for 70 percent of non-management roles and 50 percent of management-level jobs.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the quota policy on Tuesday evening, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to supporting the local population.
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He stated, “Our pro-Kannada government will ensure all Kannadigas get an opportunity to lead a comfortable life in the motherland… and avoid being deprived of jobs in the land of Kannada.”
The announcement sparked discussions and debates across the state, reflecting the ongoing tensions between promoting local employment and the potential impact on businesses.
The draft bill intended to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector companies, industries, and enterprises is still in the preparation stage.
A comprehensive discussion will be held in the next cabinet meeting to make a final decision.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 17, 2024
This move follows previous controversial steps, including a bill mandating 100 percent reservation for Kannadigas in specific posts.
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Additionally, the state is currently embroiled in other significant issues, such as the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and alleged land scams in Mysuru, which have kept the administration in the spotlight.
Earlier, on Tuesday, The Indian Express had reported that The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, which mandates job reservations for Kannadigas, includes stringent provisions for non-compliance. According to the bill, violators could face penalties of up to Rs 25,000. This bill was approved during the Cabinet meeting on Monday evening.
The bill stipulates that candidates eligible for reservation in both management and non-management roles must either possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language or pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the nodal agency.
In cases where qualified local candidates are not available, industries, factories, and other establishments are required to take steps to train and employ local candidates within three years. The bill also provides a clause for relaxation. If sufficient local candidates are not available, establishments can apply for an exemption from the provisions of the act. The government will then conduct an inquiry and may grant appropriate orders based on the findings.
This move aims to ensure more job opportunities for local Kannadigas while balancing the needs of industries to find suitably qualified candidates.
