Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Deletes '100% Quota' Post, Minister Issues Clarification Amid Industry Backlash

Karnataka Reservation Bill: An 'X' (formerly Twitter) post by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announcing the state cabinet's approval of a bill requiring private sector employers to hire only Kannadigas for Grade 'C' and 'D' posts was apparently deleted amid sharp criticism from various sections of the society, including business tycoons.

Karnataka Private Jobs: Minister's Statement

However, a statement by Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad indicated that the state government does not intend to backtrack on the issue. Speaking to news agency ANI, Lad explained that the proposed legislation aims to reserve 50 per cent of management-level jobs and 70 per cent of non-management posts in private companies for local candidates.

He added that the bill also has provisions to "outsource" such jobs in case appropriate talent is not available locally. "If such skills are not available, people can be outsourced and they can be given work here. But the Government is trying to bring in a law to give preference to locally available skills - if it is available here," Lad stated.

#WATCH | Karnataka Labor Minister Santosh S Lad clarifies on CM Siddaramaiah's tweet (that appears to be deleted now).

He says, "At management (level), it has been decided to provide reservation to 50% of the people. At the non-management level, it has been decided to provide… https://t.co/qDQgUeS37Z pic.twitter.com/057DGHOdnt

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2024

In the now deleted post, Siddaramaiah had said, "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." The post added, "We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of the Kannadigas."

ALSO READ: Karnataka Reservation Bill: Top Business Tycoons Voice Dissent Over Higher Quota To Kannadigas In Private Jobs

As per news agency PTI's sources in the law department, the proposed legislation, titled 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024' will be tabled in the state Assembly on Thursday. 

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In the context of 'Local Candidates', the contentious bill states, "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." The bill, drafted by the labour department, claimed that jobs at companies operating in Karnataka are going to people from northern states.

(With inputs from agencies)