Karnataka's job-for-locals bill: Skilling, not legislation key to meet evolving industry demands, say experts
skilling is key to equip locals to meet evolving industry demands as employment is based on merit and not domicile. HR experts believe implementing a legislation like the job-for-locals bill would pose significant challenges for businesses in talent acquisition, compliance costs and stressed on the importance of skilling to equip individuals with future-proof skillsets.
The Karnataka government on July 15, tabled the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, in state assembly.
The Bill, which mandated factory or other establishments to appoint 50 per cent of local candidates in management categories and 70 per cent in non-management categories, has been temporarily put on hold.
Talent company Randstad India managing director and CEO Viswanath PS told PTI that employment should be based on 'skills, not on domicile'.
«At a time when companies are already facing a significant skill crunch, this move will further tighten the talent pipeline. The government's role is to enable ease of doing business. However, this policy might hamper the productivity and efficiency of companies, both big and small, operating in Karnataka,» he added.
If implemented, the state will also risk losing its competitive advantage, particularly in attracting multinational corporations (MNCs), Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and startups, he said.
Echoing a similar view, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship CEO AR Ramesh said the current need is to emphasize skill
