BENGALURU, July 17: Karnataka’s cabinet has greenlit legislation mandating full-scale reservation for Kannadigas in the private sector, specifically targeting Group C and D positions, announced Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The decision was made during Monday’s cabinet session.
“We are a pro-Kannada government. Our foremost commitment is to safeguard the interests of Kannadigas,” Siddaramaiah emphasized.
The ‘Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024’ is slated for introduction in the Assembly on Thursday. According to sources from the law department, the bill stipulates that industries, factories, and other establishments must allocate 50% of management roles and 70% of non-management roles to local candidates.
The bill further mandates that candidates lacking a secondary school certificate in Kannada must pass a proficiency test specified by the Nodal Agency. If an adequate number of local candidates are unavailable, establishments are required to collaborate with the government or its agencies to provide training within three years.
In cases where sufficient local candidates cannot be found, establishments may apply for government relaxation from the Act’s provisions. However, any such relaxations granted shall not be less than 25% for management roles and 50% for non-management roles.
The bill also outlines reporting requirements for establishments to the nodal agency, tasked with verifying compliance and empowered to request records and information from employers. The government may appoint an officer not below the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner to oversee compliance.
Employers found in breach of the Act could face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, with additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance.
