India’s digital payment operator, PhonePe’s Chief Executive Officer Sameer Nigam, issued an apology on Sunday, July 21, after facing a backlash from netizens for sharing his views about the new Karnataka Reservation Bill on the social media platform X.
Nigam stated in a statement, “I would first and foremost like to clarify that it was NEVER my intention to insult Karnataka and its people. If my comments hurt anyone’s sentiments in such a way, I am truly sorry and would like to offer you an unconditional apology.”
The digital payment platform chief also expressed his belief in linguistic diversity and rich cultural heritage as an asset for the nation, emphasizing that every Indian should pay respect and celebrate local and cultural norms. He added that he holds the highest regard for Kannada, along with all other languages.
This apology comes after Nigam faced backlash and trolling from netizens on X for his previous comments made on July 17. In his earlier post, he stated, “I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ yrs. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don’t deserve jobs in Karnataka? I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city?”
Nigam also asserted his opinion that, from a corporate perspective, hiring the best available talent in India based on skills is crucial to compete on a global stage. He stated, “Companies must be able to employ the very best talent available in India purely based on their technology skills and proficiency in fields,” adding, “As a nation, that is the only way we can build world-class companies that can compete in the global village that we live in today.”
The Karnataka Reservation Bill: On July 15, the State Government of Karnataka cleared a bill titled the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024. This bill mandates the reservation of jobs for Indian citizens belonging to the state of Karnataka or Kannadigas.
The bill highlights that 50 per cent of the candidates working in any factory or industry in a management category and 70 per cent in the non-management category should come from the State of Karnataka. “Any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint fifty per cent of local candidates in management categories and seventy per cent in non-management categories,” according to the bill.
The bill also stated that candidates who do not have Kannada as a language in their secondary school certificate will have to pass a Kannada language proficiency test. The nodal agency can request any records, information or documents about the candidate with the authority vested upon it by the State of Karnataka.
