Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that the state cabinet has approved a bill mandating 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in the private sector for Group C and D posts. The bill also directs the appointment of Kannadigas to 50 per cent of management positions and 75 per cent of non-management positions.
In Karnaraka Public Service Commission (KPSC), C and D grade posts are the lower level posts in the such as clerks, lab technicians and pharmacists.
The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, where the Karnataka government decided to present seven bills, including 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in Category C and D jobs in all industries in the state.
"The Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Monday) approved a bill to make recruitment of 100 per cent Kannadigas mandatory for 'C and D' grade posts in all private industries in the state," Siddaramaiah said in a post on X. The Chief Minister deleted the post amid backlash.
"We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of the Kannadigas," he said.
Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates Bill
The Karnataka government is also reportedly contemplating 100 per cent reservation for locals in "C&D" grade government jobs. The bill is called the State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.
According to sources in the law department, the 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024' will be tabled on Thursday in the Assembly.
On the appointment of 'Local Candidates'', the bill says, "Any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint 50 per cent of local candidates in management categories and 70 per cent in non-management categories."
If the candidates do not possess secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language, they must pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the 'Nodal Agency', it says, as cited in a news agency PTI report.
If the qualified local candidates are not available, the establishments within three years with active collaboration of government or its agencies should take steps to train them, it says.
If sufficient number of local candidates are not available, then an establishment may apply for relaxation from the provisions of this Act to the government.
"Such orders passed by the Government shall be final: Provided that, the relaxation provided under this section shall not be less than 25 per cent for management category and 50 per cent for non-management categories," the proposed bill says.
Karnataka Govt's Move Faces Backlash
The Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to make 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in private sector Group C and D jobs was questioned by industry leaders, with many highlighting the possible repercussions and unavailability of skilled labour.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Chairperson of Biocon, was the first among to respond to the decision, saying the policy shall not affect the state’s leading position in technology and also called for exceptions for highly skilled recruitment.
Businessman and philanthropist TV Mohandas Pai said, "...If you want to promote Kannadigas for jobs, spend more money on higher education."
"Give training to them. Spend more money on skill development. Spend more money on internships, spend more money on apprenticeship programs. So they all become skilled. Not like this. What are you trying to achieve by this?" he told news agency ANI.
Amid the backlash, Karnataka Minister MB Patil said, "I have seen that many people have apprehension regarding this...We will resolve this confusion...We will sit with the CM and resolve this so that it does not have any adverse effect..."
