In a controversial move that sparked widespread debate, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has retracted his announcement of a proposed 100% reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and Group D jobs within private companies in the state. The decision, initially heralded as a measure to prioritize local employment, faced significant criticism from various quarters, including industry leaders and opposition parties.
The Chief Minister’s office had earlier stated via social media that a bill had been approved mandating full recruitment of Kannadigas for lower-tier positions in all private industries. This move, according to Siddaramaiah, aimed to ensure job opportunities primarily for locals in Karnataka, leveraging the state’s abundant skilled workforce from institutions ranging from engineering colleges to international schools.
However, the announcement drew immediate concern and opposition from industrialists, who expressed apprehensions over potential impacts on Karnataka’s technology-driven industries, particularly in hubs like Bengaluru. Business figures such as Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw cautioned against jeopardizing the state’s competitive edge in technology sectors by imposing stringent local hiring mandates.
Reacting to the backlash, Labour Minister Santosh Lad clarified that the proposed reservation would cap job quotas at 70% for non-management roles and 50% for management positions, with flexibility to recruit from outside the state if qualified local candidates were unavailable. This adjustment followed criticism that such a blanket policy could adversely affect the IT and manufacturing sectors, where specialized skills are crucial.
The proposed bill, reportedly based on recommendations from the Sarojini Mahishi Committee, intended to address concerns that jobs meant for Kannadigas were being taken by migrants from northern states. It sought to enforce quotas in accordance with job categories, aiming to balance local employment needs with maintaining Karnataka’s economic competitiveness on a global scale.
While the government assured that consultations would be held with stakeholders to address their concerns, critics labeled the move as “short-sighted” and potentially detrimental to the state’s industrial growth. Amidst the controversy, Commerce and Industries Minister HB Patil acknowledged the need for Karnataka to maintain its competitive edge amidst a global industrial revolution, emphasizing the importance of balancing local employment goals with economic dynamism.
Sources By Agencies