explained-k-taka-quota-bill-reason-for-it-being-on-hold

A common adage reminds that there are two sides to a coin.

 

A similar condition surfaced in Karnataka pertaining to the bill which proclaimed 100 per cent job reservation for Kannadigas in private sector jobs in the state.

 

The bill has been put on hold after receiving backlash from several quarters, especially the Industrial sector.

 

The state Cabinet had cleared the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, making it compulsory for private firms to reserve jobs for Kannadigas.

 

Elaborating on the reason behind the bill, Siddaramaiah had said, “We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of the Kannadigas.”

 

However, the bill received backlash from the members of its own party. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has called the bill “unconstitutional” and “unwise”.

 

Moreover, the state government is on the backfoot in defending the interests of the locals of Karnataka and the industrial sector.

 

State infrastructure development and medium and heavy industries minister MB Patil said the government will have wider consultations to protect the interests of Kannadigas as well as the industries.

“Keeping the interests of Kannadigas paramount, I will discuss this issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, IT-BT Minister, Law Minister, and Labour Minister. We will have wider consultations. We will ensure the interests of Kannadigas as well as the industries.

Reacting to the bill, state minister for information technology and biotechnology Priyank Kharge said, “The Labour Minister (Santosh Lad) had suggested so (bill) and we will be having a wider consultation along with the department of industries and the IT.”

He said, “We will put forth discussions with the industry as well. This I would like to assure the industry.”

  

BJP’s take on it

 

The Bharatiya Janata Party seemed to have given a different angle to the story.

 

BJP state president BY Raghavendra has warned the government of ramifications if it fails to table the bill which mandates reservations for Kannadigas in private sector jobs in the ongoing Assembly session.

 

 Raghavendra, who is an MLA from Shikaripura, questioned the state government in a post on X on its intentions behind bringing the bill and then holding it back later.

 

“Why did you bring the bill to give employment to the Kannadigas? Why did you hold it back? Why mess with the lives of Kannadigas? Do you need Kannadigas to insult?”

 

He further challenged the government to present the job reservation bill for Kannadigas, which aims to provide employment to the local population. 

 

Let the government present the job reservation bill for Kannadigas, which has given hope to lakhs of unemployed people in rural areas who were deprived of job opportunities despite their qualifications, in the current session, or else be ready to face the anger of Kannadigas,” he further wrote in his post on X. 

 

While one wonders what prompted the Karnataka Chief Minister to put the bill on hold, but how the Kannadigas have perceived the developments pertaining to the bill is to be seen.

 

 

Details pertaining to the bill

 

As per the bill, “any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint 50 per cent of local candidates in management categories and seventy per cent in non-management categories.”

If the candidates do not possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language, they must pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the ‘Nodal Agency’.

If there is a lack of local candidates, then companies may apply for relaxation from the provisions of this Act to the government.

Moreover, if qualified local candidates are not available, the establishments within three years with active collaboration of the government or its agencies should take steps to train them, it said.

An officer not below the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner will be appointed as the authorised officer to oversee compliance.

Any employer or occupier or manager of an establishment, who contravenes the provisions of this Act, should be liable for a penalty between Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.

Notably, Karnataka’s move is similar to a bill introduced by the Haryana government, mandating 75 per cent reservation in private sector.

 

 

Criticism from the industrial sector

 

The industry criticised the bill, calling it a regressive move and shortsighted decision.

 

National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) raised concerns over the new bill saying, “Nasscom and its members are disappointed and express deep concern regarding the passage of the Karnataka State Employment of Local Industries Factories Establishment Act Bill, 2024.”

“The bill’s provisions threaten to reverse this progress, drive away companies, and stifle startups, especially when more global firms (GCCs) are looking to invest in the state. At the same time, the restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce,” it said in a statement.

Biocon managing director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said, “As a tech hub we need skilled talent and whilst the aim is to provide jobs for locals we must not affect our leading position in technology by this move. There must be caveats that exempt highly skilled recruitment from this policy.”

“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  private sector? People have to take a language test?” TV Mohandas Pai, former chief finance officer of Infosys said on X.

Industry body Assocham’s cochairman RK Misra said on X, “Another genius move from Govt of Karnataka. Mandate LOCAL RESERVATION & APPOINT GOVT OFFICER IN EVERY COMPANY to monitor. This will scare Indian IT & GCCs. Short sighted.”

Henceforth, in such a tricky situation, it is understood why the Karnataka Congress government has put a pause on the bill. The ultimate outcome is on hold as the state government needs to balance both sides of the coin — Kannadigas and industrial sector — to be on safer side.