The Karnataka cabinet has approved a bill that mandates 100 percent reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and D posts within the private sector, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, reflecting the government's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Kannadigas.
The proposed legislation, titled the 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,' is set to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday. According to sources in the law department, the bill seeks to enforce the recruitment of local candidates across various employment categories in the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the pro-Kannada stance of his government, highlighting the importance of this initiative in ensuring job opportunities for local residents. "We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of the Kannadigas," he stated in a post on X.
The bill stipulates that any industry, factory, or establishment must appoint 50 percent of local candidates in management categories and 70 percent in non-management categories. Additionally, candidates must pass a Kannada proficiency test if they do not possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language. The bill also includes provisions for training local candidates in collaboration with the government if qualified individuals are not readily available.
In cases where a sufficient number of local candidates cannot be found, establishments can apply for relaxation from the Act’s provisions. However, this relaxation will not exceed 25 percent for management positions and 50 percent for non-management roles. The bill outlines that any relaxation orders passed by the government will be final.
Industries, factories, and other establishments will be required to report compliance with the Act to a designated nodal agency within a prescribed period. The nodal agency will be responsible for verifying these reports and submitting findings to the government, ensuring adherence to the Act's provisions. This agency will have the authority to request any records, information, or documents necessary for verification.
To enforce compliance, the government will appoint an officer not below the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner as the authorized officer. Employers, occupiers, or managers who contravene the provisions of the Act will face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.
This legislative move underscores the Karnataka government’s dedication to bolstering employment opportunities for Kannadigas, reinforcing local talent within the private sector, and fostering inclusive economic growth in the state. The bill’s implementation will be closely watched, as it aims to balance the needs of industries with the welfare of the local workforce.