Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Karnataka Jobs Reservation Bill as ‘Unconstitutional’
Bengaluru, 20th July 2024: On Friday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the reasoning behind the Karnataka state government’s controversial jobs reservation bill, labelling the proposed policy as both ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘ill-advised.’
Tharoor, a former Union minister and current Lok Sabha representative for Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his scepticism about the rationale behind the bill. “I am unclear on what basis Karnataka has proposed this,” he said in response to reporters’ questions.
He also warned that if such a law were enacted, businesses might relocate to neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu or Kerala. “This bill is unwise. If every state enacts similar legislation, it would be unconstitutional. The Constitution ensures every citizen’s right to live, work, and travel freely across the country,” Tharoor added.
Tharoor referenced a precedent where the Punjab and Haryana High Court invalidated a similar bill proposed by the BJP-JJP government in Haryana.
The bill, formally known as the ‘Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,’ was approved by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet on Tuesday. It stipulates that private companies in Karnataka must fill 50% of management positions and 70% of non-management roles with local Kannadigas.
The bill, which impacts Bengaluru’s vibrant start-up and tech sector, has been suspended following backlash from industry bodies and business leaders who, like Tharoor, deemed it ‘unconstitutional’ and warned of potential business relocations.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that a ‘comprehensive discussion’ on the bill will take place at the next cabinet meeting to finalize the decision.
