ETtech Explainer: why Karnataka had to put job reservation bill on hold
bill mandating reservation for Kannadigas in the private sector, sparking an uproar. The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Monday and was subsequently put on hold after backlash from business honchos and tech tycoons.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said in a post on X, “The bill approved by the cabinet to provide reservation for Kannadigas in private sector organizations, industries and enterprises has been temporarily put on hold.”
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Here’s a quick explainer on the controversial bill:
What did the bill say?
As per the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, “Any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint 50% of local candidates in management categories and seventy per cent in non-management categories.”
If the candidates do not possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language, they must pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the 'Nodal Agency'.
If there is a lack of local candidates, then companies may apply for relaxation from the provisions of this Act to the government.
Moreover, if qualified local candidates are not available, the establishments
