Karnataka Puts Reservation Bill for Kannadigas in Private Sector on Hold

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced the temporary halt to a bill enforcing reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector. The bill proposes 50% reservation for administrative and 75% for non-administrative posts. Further discussions and decisions are expected in the upcoming cabinet meetings.

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday that the bill enforcing 50% reservation for administrative posts and 75% for non-administrative positions for Kannadigas in private sector organizations has been temporarily put on hold. The bill will be revisited and discussed in the upcoming cabinet meetings.

'The bill approved by the cabinet to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector organizations, industries, and enterprises has been temporarily put on hold,' Siddaramaiah posted on X. He further mentioned that a comprehensive discussion would be held in the next cabinet meeting to finalize the decision.

On Monday, the Karnataka state cabinet approved the bill enforcing these reservations. However, the chief minister emphasized the need for 100% reservation for Kannadigas in C&D category jobs, although this was not included in his latest communication.

Earlier, the CM tweeted, 'The cabinet meeting held on Monday approved the bill to fix 50% reservation for administrative posts and 75% for non-administrative posts for Kannadigas in private industries and other organizations of the state.' He reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of Kannadigas, ensuring they are not deprived of job opportunities in their homeland.

In parallel, State Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil addressed apprehensions from industrialists about the new bill. Patil assured that a comprehensive discussion with the CM and relevant ministers would take place to resolve any confusion and safeguard the interests of both Kannadigas and industries.

Patil emphasized the importance of states being competitive in the current era of industrial and manufacturing revolutions. 'Karnataka is a progressive state, and we cannot afford to lose in this once-in-a-century race of industrialization,' he stated. The industries were assured that their concerns would be addressed, and their interests safeguarded.

On Tuesday, the Karnataka cabinet approved the bill aiming to reserve significant job quotas for locals in the private sector. Subsequently, several industry leaders expressed concerns, labeling the move as 'discriminatory' and cautioning it could impact the tech sector adversely.

(With inputs from agencies.)