Siddaramaiah Re-Posts Message On Karnataka's Job Quota Policy With Tweaks

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has deleted a social media post regarding state reservations for local citizens, or Kannadigas, in the private sector. This action follows reports that the state government, under CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, had approved a bill in a cabinet meeting mandating 100 percent reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and D jobs within private companies.

The controversy unfolded on Tuesday when Siddaramaiah initially announced the decision on social media, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing job opportunities for Kannadigas in the state. However, the post has since been removed from his official handle.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad clarified the government's stance, indicating that reservations in private firms are set at 70 percent for non-management roles and 50 percent for management-level positions.

Addressing the issue, Minister Santosh S Lad told ANI, "At the management level, we have decided on a 50% reservation, while at the non-management level, it is set at 70%... In cases where local skills are unavailable, outsourcing may be considered. However, the government is actively working towards legislation that prioritizes local skills."

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had announced that the Karnataka cabinet approved a bill mandating full Kannadiga reservation for Group C and D posts in private sectors. This decision was made during Monday's cabinet meeting.

"The cabinet meeting held yesterday approved the 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024', which mandates 100% reservation for Kannadigas in 'C and D' grade posts across all private industries in the state," Siddaramaiah's statement on X read.

According to reports from the law department, the bill will be presented in the assembly on Thursday. The bill stipulates that industries must employ 50% local candidates in management roles and 70% in non-management roles. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Kannada, verified by a specified Nodal Agency, if they do not possess a secondary school certificate in Kannada.

If sufficient local candidates are not available, establishments are required, within three years and with government assistance, to provide training to meet local employment requirements. In cases where an adequate number of local candidates cannot be found, establishments may apply for government-approved exemptions, not exceeding 25% for management roles and 50% for non-management roles, as outlined in the proposed legislation.