Karnataka Cabinet Approves 100% Reservation for Kannadigas in Private Sector C and D Grade Jobs
Bengaluru, 17th July 2024: The Karnataka cabinet approved a bill ensuring 100% reservation for Kannadigas in C and D grade positions within private industries. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the bill on social media but deleted the post after facing criticism from industry leaders. However, he later reposted the announcement on his X handle.
Siddaramaiah emphasized the Congress-led government’s “pro-Kannada” stance, explaining that the cabinet’s decision aimed to increase job opportunities for Kannadigas. Amidst backlash, the state government promised broader consultations on the issue.
“The cabinet meeting approved the bill, mandating 50% reservation for administrative posts and 75% for non-administrative posts for Kannadigas in private industries. We want Kannadigas to have job opportunities in their homeland and build a comfortable life here. Our government prioritizes the welfare of Kannadigas,” Siddaramaiah stated on X.
State IT Minister Priyank Kharge urged the CM to involve industry experts and other departments in refining the bill’s clauses before implementation. He assured that wider consultations would be held to find common ground, to provide jobs to locals while attracting investments.
CPIM MP John Brittas criticized the bill as discriminatory and poorly considered. “Bengaluru was built by everyone, not just Kannadigas. Such discriminatory decisions could drive companies away and harm Kannadigas in the long run,” Brittas told CNN-News18. He added that Kannadigas living in Delhi who don’t know Hindi would face similar issues.
Biocon executive chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw highlighted the need for skilled talent in the tech sector. She suggested exemptions for highly skilled recruitment to maintain Karnataka’s leading position in technology. Former Infosys executive Mohandas Pai condemned the bill as unconstitutional and regressive, calling for its rejection.
Jayant Chaudhary, a politician from the National Democratic Alliance, also criticized the reservation policy as regressive and economically harmful, arguing that it violates constitutional rights.
Pro-Kannada activists supported the bill, criticizing Mohandas Pai and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw for their negative comments about local talent. Activist Chethan Jeeral stated that the bill provides a safety net for Kannadigas and that the government is considering input from various stakeholders.
The bill mandates that industries appoint 50% local candidates in management roles and 70% in non-management roles. Candidates without a secondary school certificate in Kannada must pass a proficiency test. If qualified local candidates are unavailable, establishments must collaborate with the government to train them within three years. Establishments can apply for relaxation from the bill’s provisions if necessary, but exemptions must still meet certain minimums.
The bill requires industries to report compliance to a nodal agency, which will verify and report to the government. An authorized officer, at least at the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner, will oversee compliance. Penalties for non-compliance range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, with additional daily fines for ongoing violations.
