MNCs don't need to display Kannadiga staff numbers: DK Shivakumar

The statement by Karnataka Kannada & Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, regarding the requirement for MNCs operating in the state to display the number of Kannadigas they employ on notice boards at their premises, sparked outrage on social media.

The Karnataka government will not force multinational companies (MNCs) to display on notice boards the number of Kannadigas employed by them, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on February 23, days after the decision triggered outrage.

Shivakumar’s remarks come after Kannada and culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi on February 20 announced in the legislative council that MNCs operating in Bengaluru would have to display the number of Kannadigas working for them on notice boards on their premises.

"There is no such order or rule. Some Kannada activists met the minister and made this request but the government has not taken any decision. It is a city that the entire world is watching. We are encouraging the Kannada language on signboards," the deputy CM told mediapersons.

Also read: MNCs will need to display Kannadiga staff numbers: Karnataka minister Shivaraj Tangadagia

Shivakumar has been promoting “Brand Bengaluru” to enhance the city's image and attract foreign investments.

Karnataka IT-BT minister Priyanka Kharge added, "There is no proposal. Those were suggestions given to him during the session, and he has merely stated that all these things will be looked into. There is no action as of now and no demand from the people".

When the issue of Kannada on billboards and name boards came up, there were other suggestions from the assembly and council. “Ultimately, we are here to ensure more investments come to Karnataka, more employment for Kannadigas, and more economic opportunities for the state," he said.

Tangadagi’s statement had sparked outrage, with the decision being slammed on social media as regressive. Many industrialists, including ex-Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai, criticised the move, saying the government should focus on skilling the people. Such rules would make Bengaluru less attractive to companies.

Also, read: Karnataka’s misguided MNC mandate: Putting politics over progress

Tangadagi made the statement during a discussion on the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, which mandates 60 percent of signages in Kannada.

The government was making all efforts to promote the Kannada language across all sectors. The minister also warned that failure to comply with language requirements would result in the cancellation of licences.

The minister said he would lead a committee, with secretaries of various departments as its members, to provide suggestions on framing the rules to compel MNCs to display the number of Kannadiga staff.

The state government and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have set February 28 deadline for 60 percent Kannada on nameboards rule for commercial establishments and traders. Some traders, however, alleged that BBMP workers were removing English letters from signboards even before the deadline.