Karnataka ministers address industry concerns over private jobs reservation bill

Bengaluru: As the Karnataka government approved a bill mandating 100 percent reservation for Kannadigas in 'C' and 'D' grade posts within private industries, key Karnataka ministers have stepped forward to address growing concerns within the business community.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge emphasised the importance of thorough consultations before the bill is implemented.

Kharge emphasised that the private jobs reservation bill had been introduced by the labour department and mentioned that consultations with the industry and IT Ministers, were still pending. He assured that "before coming up with the rules of the bill, they will have due consultations with the respective ministries and more importantly, a wider consultation with the industry."

He urged that there was no need to panic, stating, "We are going to safeguard the jobs for the state as well as encourage investments in the industries with their consultation."

Karnataka Minister MB Patil acknowledged the confusion and apprehension surrounding the bill and assured both the public and industry leaders that their concerns would be addressed.

Patil acknowledged the confusion and apprehension surrounding the bill, noting that many people had concerns. He stressed that Kannadigas' interests were paramount and that their job opportunities should be safeguarded. At the same time, he assured that industry's issues would also be addressed.

He stated, "Our CM, myself, IT minister, law minister, and labour minister, all will sit and resolve the issue so that it won't affect Kannadigas, the job opportunities, and at the same time it will not have any adverse effect on companies."

The Minister assured industry leaders, including Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Mohandas Pai, that the matter would be resolved amicably and promised, "It will be a win-win situation for both Kannadigas and industries."

Taking to X, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the bill's approval and reinforced the government's commitment to the welfare of Kannadigas.

"The Cabinet meeting held yesterday approved a bill to make it mandatory to hire 100 percent Kannadigas for 'C' and 'D' grade posts in all private industries in the state. It is our government's wish that the Kannadigas should avoid being deprived of jobs in the land of Kannada and should be given an opportunity to build a comfortable life in the motherland. We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of Kannadigas," he said.

As the government moves forward with this initiative, the upcoming consultations with industry leaders will be crucial in ensuring that both local employment and industrial growth are balanced effectively.