The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 was approved by the state cabinet on Monday. CM Siddaramaiah said that a thorough discussion will be had before making a final decision, despite the subsequent controversy.
The Bill states that “any industry, factory, or other establishments shall appoint in management categories fifty percent of local candidates and in non-management categories seventy percent of local candidates.”
Source: Hindustan Times News
The chief minister even tweeted that Kannadigas would receive 100% reservation for C and D grade posts in state-run private institutions, but he quickly removed the message. The regressive Bill proposed by Karnataka, India’s tech heartland and one of the best-performing states in terms of ease of doing business, is perplexing.
The Congress government has received a warning from NASSCOM, the National Association of Software and Service enterprises, stating that the “restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce.” The southern state has not taken the Haryana debacle to heart.
Source: Firstpost
The Punjab and Haryana High Court invalidated the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Bill, 2020 in November 2023. The bill required residents of the state to be given 75% reservation in private sector jobs. Similar laws have also burned the fingers of Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.Although the phrase “vocal for local” has gained popularity recently, investors will be turned off by any concessions made on ability, merit, or skill in the name of politics.
In an attempt to capitalise on neighbouring Karnataka’s possible goal, the TDP government in Andhra has encouraged NASSCOM to grow or move its operations to Vizag. In the midst of the states’ intense competition for investments, Karnataka would be wise to quietly put the Bill to rest.
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