Row over bill tabled in Karnataka Assembly providing 100 pc reservation to Kannadigas in private sector jobs has trespassed state borders.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has offered software body Nasscom to expand or relocate their businesses to Visakhapatnam.
The Telugu Desam Party leader’s remarks came amid uproar from several industries after the Karnataka government approved a bill — which has been stalled now — on Wednesday that mandates reservations for locals in the private sector.
Earlier today, Nasscom expressed deep concern over the provisions of the bill and urged the Karnataka government to withdraw it. “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,” a Nasscom release said.
Responding to Nasscom’s letter on X, Lokesh wrote, “We welcome you to expand or relocate your businesses to our IT, IT services, AI and data center cluster at Vizag.”
“Andhra Pradesh is ready to welcome you. Please get in touch!” Lokesh concluded, and also tagged Debjani Ghosh, the President of Nasscom, in his post.
Assuring the state-of-the-art facilities, the Andhra Pradesh Minister promised to provide uninterrupted power, infrastructure and most suitable skilled talent for the company without any government restrictions.
Responding to Nara Lokesh’s tweet, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge questioned, “Wouldn’t you also like to ensure that every company invested in Andhra Pradesh employs deserving, trained and skilled individuals from Andhra Pradesh?”
The bill, approved by the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka, directs the appointment of Kannadigas to 50 per cent of management positions and 75 per cent of non-management positions.
After the Karnataka government’s nod to the bill, Nasscom in a letter said, “Restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce.”
Responding to Nasscom’s concerns, Priyank Kharge assured that the government won’t do anything that will not withstand legal scrutiny. “This is your Government and as always we are just a call away,” Kharge tweeted.
Thanking Priyank Kharge, the software body in a tweet asserted that they were eager to continue partnership to further strengthen Karnataka’s position.
“It's crucial that we also have the ability to attract the best talent globally to keep our industry at the forefront of innovation. Together, we can ensure Karnataka remains a leader in technology and innovation,” Nasscom responded to Priyank Kharge.
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