Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah Deletes Post Announcing 100 Per Cent Reservations For Locals In Grade 'C' And 'D' Posts

In a curious development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has removed the social media post that announced the state cabinet's approval of legislation mandating private industries to hire only Kannadigas for group 'C' and 'D' jobs.

In the original post on platform X, Siddaramaiah stated, “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. It is our government’s wish that the Kannadigas should avoid being deprived of jobs in the land of Kannada and should be given an opportunity to build a comfortable life in the motherland. We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of Kannadigas.”

The decision received stringent criticism from industrial circles with industry leaders arguing that the bill will hinder industrial growth by driving away skilled workers not covered under the quota.

Facing criticism from industry leaders, Karnataka Minister for Commerce and Industries M B Patil emphasised the need for broader consultations.

Similarly, Karnataka Minister for Electronics Priyank Kharge mentioned that the Labour Department, which has proposed the bill, is yet to consult with the industry, the Minister of Industry, and the Department of Information Technology.

Nasscom, the principal body for India's technology industry, called the bill "deeply disturbing," warning it would "drive away companies and stifle startups," and cause firms to relocate due to a lack of local skilled talent.

Mohandas Pai, Padma Shri Awardee and former CFO and Board Member at Infosys, urged the government to focus on job creation, training, and education for Kannada youth rather than driving away investment.

"Karnataka is India’s best state; we should not destroy this," he said in a post on X, describing the bill as "discriminatory, regressive, and against the constitution."

The Karnataka cabinet had earlier today given its nod to a bill that mandates 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in private companies for Group C and Group D positions.

Some days back, the Karnataka cabinet approved a bill requiring industries, factories, and other establishments to appoint local candidates to 50 per cent of management positions and 75 per cent of non-management positions.