Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred controversy with a new bill mandating 100% reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and D posts within private firms. The announcement came after a cabinet meeting on Monday, where the ‘Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024’ received approval. The bill is set to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday, aiming to prioritize local employment.
Siddaramaiah, emphasizing the pro-Kannada stance of his government, stated that their priority is the welfare of Kannadigas. However, the bill has drawn criticism for its potential impact on the state’s economy and the possibility of discrimination against non-Kannadigas.
The bill, which is a copy with PTI, lays out specific requirements for local candidate appointments. It mandates that industries must hire 50% local candidates for management positions and 70% for non-management roles. Furthermore, candidates lacking a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language must pass a proficiency test. The bill also includes provisions for training local candidates within three years if qualified individuals are not readily available.
If sufficient local candidates remain unavailable, establishments can apply for relaxation from the provisions, but only with a minimum of 25% for management and 50% for non-management positions. The bill also requires industries to report compliance with these provisions to a designated nodal agency.
While the bill aims to address concerns about local employment, it has raised concerns about potential economic repercussions and the potential for discrimination. The impact of this legislation on private firms, job creation, and overall economic growth remains to be seen.
