Karnataka Approves Bill Mandating 100% Reservation For Kannadigas In Private Jobs, Industry Calls It ‘Fascist, Unconstitutional’

The Congress government in Karnataka has approved a bill that mandates 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and D posts within private industries. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision via social media, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding job prospects for Kannada-speaking residents in the state.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah informed about the bill with a post on social media platform X, where he wrote, “The Cabinet meeting held yesterday approved a bill to make it mandatory to hire 100 per cent Kannadigas for "C and D" grade posts in all private industries in the state.

The 'Karnataka State Provision of Employment to Local Candidates in Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024' is set to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday. According to the news agency PTI, the bill states, “Any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint fifty percent of local candidates in management categories and seventy percent in non-management categories.”

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Additionally, candidates not possessing a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language must pass a proficiency test specified by the nodal agency.

In cases where qualified local candidates are unavailable, the bill mandates that establishments collaborate with the government or its agencies within three years to facilitate training programs. If sufficient local candidates remain unavailable, establishments may apply for a relaxation of these provisions, subject to government approval.

To enforce compliance, the government may appoint an authorised officer, not below the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner, tasked with ensuring adherence to the bill's provisions. Employers found violating the legislation could face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, with additional daily fines for continued non-compliance.

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Industry Reactions Over The Bill

Soon after the Siddaramaiah cabinet approved the bill, it sparked strong objections from prominent industry leaders across Karnataka. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services, condemned the bill as "fascist" and unconstitutional, arguing against the government's interference in private sector recruitment processes.

"This bill should be junked. It is discriminatory, regressive and against the constitution @Jairam_Ramesh is govt to certify who we are? This is a fascist bill as in Animal Farm, unbelievable that @INCIndia can come up with a bill like this- a govt officer will sit on recruitment committees of the private sector?,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited said, "As a leading tech hub, Karnataka needs access to skilled talent. While supporting local employment is crucial, we must ensure that our policies do not hinder our technological advancement.”