The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the reservation for locals while filling job vacancies. It has given its approval to the draft State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries Factories and Other Establishments Bill. This Bill makes 50 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in management jobs and 75 per cent reservation for locals in non-management jobs mandatory, across the private sector. As per the Bill, private firms can hire only Kannadigas for group ‘C’ and ‘D’ blue-collar jobs. The news of the approval was posted on social media by Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad.
Organisations that fail to adhere to this reservation will end up paying a fine in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Additionally, Rs 100 will be collected daily from the defaulters till they comply with the quota.
To benefit from the reservation, candidates will have to hold a secondary school certificate with Kannada as language or submit proof of having passed a Kannada proficiency test.
In situations where suitable candidates with the required qualifications or abilities are unavailable, the employer/organisation should impart training to local candidates to fill those vacancies within three years.
Establishments unable to find suitable local candidates can apply to the state government for an exemption, following which there will be an enquiry before they can enjoy a relaxation in the provisions of the Act.
The main concern now is whether such a job quota will affect India’s position in the tech space. Measures have to be taken to ensure the interests of the locals are protected without discouraging information technology companies and global capability centres (GCCs) in the State.
