Karnataka Cabinet Approves Controversial Job Reservation Bill for Locals

Karnataka's new bill reserves 50% of management and 75% of non-management private sector jobs for locals, alongside 100% reservation in 'C&D' grade government jobs. Industry leaders criticize the move as discriminatory, fearing adverse impacts on the tech sector.

On Tuesday, the Karnataka cabinet approved a Bill that mandates 50% of management jobs and 75% of non-management jobs in the private sector be reserved for locals. The Bill also enforces 100% reservation for locals in 'C&D' grade government jobs. This decision has sparked significant controversy among industry leaders, who argue it is discriminatory and could harm the tech industry.

Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services, called the Bill 'fascist' and unconstitutional. 'This bill should be junked. It is discriminatory, regressive, and against the constitution,' Pai said in a post on 'X'.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited, emphasized the need for skilled talent in maintaining Karnataka's leading position in technology. She urged for exemptions for highly skilled recruitment to avoid negative impacts on the tech sector.

RK Misra, Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM Karnataka, described the Bill as shortsighted. He warned that appointing a government officer in every private company to monitor its implementation could deter Indian IT and Global Capability Centres.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the Bill, stating it aims to ensure jobs for Kannadigas and prevent them from being deprived in their homeland. The Labour Department's draft suggests that jobs in local industries are moving to states in North India, justifying the need for such reservations. Previous policies suggested similar reservations but lacked formal implementation. Officials confirm that the Bill, now approved by the Cabinet, will be presented and passed in the same legislative session.

(With inputs from agencies.)