IT union slams Karnataka's self-certification policy, calls it anti-worker move

KITU protests against proposed labour laws in Bengaluru's Freedom Park. (File Photo)

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) issued a strong condemnation on November 20 of the Karnataka Government's decision to permit all information technology (IT) and ITeS companies to file self-certification for labour law compliance.

The union claims this move, included as a non-fiscal incentive in the Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030, represents the government's withdrawal from its constitutional and statutory responsibility to enforce labour laws.

The new provision allows companies to self-declare compliance, which the union argues, in a statement, grants corporations a free hand to violate labour laws without fear of scrutiny.

Double Whammy for Employees

The union’s opposition is intensified because the self-certification provision comes along with the extension of the exemption from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act for another five years.

According to KITU, this combination is particularly detrimental to employees.

The union states that the IT/ITES sector is already notorious for widespread labour law violations, including excessive working hours, forced terminations, denial of leave, and unsafe workloads.

KITU believes that the combination of the Standing Orders exemption and self-certification "leaves employees with virtually no enforceable labour rights.

Labour Rights as 'Bargaining Chips'

Suhas Adiga, General Secretary of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union, maintains that by permitting self-declaration of compliance, the Government and the Labour Department are abdicating their role as custodians of labour governance, enforcement, and inspection.

KITU has called on the Karnataka government to immediately reverse both the self-certification decision and the Standing Orders exemption extension.

The union stressed that labour rights cannot be treated as bargaining chips to attract investment or appease corporate lobbies.