New Delhi: Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka is trying to implement a reservation system in private jobs. The Karnataka government has introduced a new bill which has been approved by the cabinet. If this bill becomes a law, private companies in Karnataka will have to reserve 50% to 100% of their jobs for local Kannada-speaking candidates. However, the government has put the bill on hold for now. The constitution doesnt allow it, but state governments are doing it despite legal challenges.Government stands by job reservation planIndustry leaders have expressed concerns that the government should focus on skill development instead of reservations. On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has defended the bill, saying that the Congress government in Karnataka is committed to protecting the dignity of Kannada people.Jobs for local candidatesThe bill, titled Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in industries, factories and establishments, aims to mandate job reservations for local candidates in private industries, factories, and establishments. If passed, it will enclose all industries, factories and private institutions that lead to making it compulsory to reserve jobs for local candidates. If passed, all industries, factories, and private institutions would fall under its purview, thereby mandating the reservation of jobs for local candidates. The bill requires private companies to recruit local candidates for 50% of management positions, 75% of non-management positions, and 100% of Group C and D category posts.Bill sets strict rules for local candidatesAccording to the bill, a local candidate who can speak, read and write Kannada and has been a resident of Karnataka for at least 15 years. If a local candidate has not passed the 10th standard in Kannada, they will have to take a Karnataka proficiency test. If the company or manager violates this law they will be fined between Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.However, the government has put the bill on hold due to growing controversy and will reconsider it before reintroducing it.
