Karnataka's job quota for locals: Industries minister says 'everyone's interests will be safeguarded'

cKarnataka Commerce & Industries Minister MB Patil.

Karnataka's move to reserve jobs for locals in the private sector has sparked division among its ministers, with State Commerce & Industries Minister MB Patil asserting the state's commitment in safeguarding everyone's interest.

"Karnataka is a progressive state, and we cannot afford to lose in this once-in-a-century race of industrialisation. We will make sure that everyone's interests are safeguarded. The Industries are assured that they need not have any fear or apprehensions and can rest assured," Patil said.

On July 15, the Karnataka cabinet approved the draft State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, mandating 50 percent of management jobs and 70 percent of non-management roles to be reserved for local candidates (Kannadigas).

Also read: Junk this bill: Industry leaders slam Karnataka's job quota for locals

The state cabinet also approved a 100 percent quota for Kannadigas in Group C and Group D jobs (blue-collar workers) in the private sector.

Further, Patil said: "India is currently experiencing a manufacturing and industrial revolution driven by the global China Plus One policy. In this competitive era, states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana are striving to be at their best. It is of utmost importance for all states to be at their competitive peak".

"Keeping the interests of Kannadigas paramount, I will discuss this issue with CM, IT-BT Minister, Law Minister, and Labour Minister. We will have wider consultations. We will ensure that the interests of Kannadigas are protected, alongside those of the industries" he added.

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad told Moneycontrol: "The bill mandates giving priority to Kannadigas, especially since many private firms avail subsidies and other benefits from the government to set up establishments. Therefore, we aim to create more jobs for local Kannadigas." He said the draft bill will be tabled during the current legislature session. Lad added that the bill aims to provide opportunities for local candidates in industries, factories, and other establishments in the state.

This is not the first time differences have cropped up among ministers. It may be recalled that aggregators and tech industry bodies have urged the Karnataka government to extend the deadline for submitting suggestions and objections on the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Draft Bill, 2024.

However, Lad said the draft will be placed in the current session of the legislature.

Also, read: Karnataka Gig Workers Bill: Aggregators, industry bodies seek more time, wider consultation

Karnataka IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge had said, “We recognise that the welfare of gig workers is very important. We will do a deep dive and ensure the Bill will be a win-win for all. Companies have sought more time and also requested the CM and Deputy CM for a wider consultation on the Bill. They said 10 days for feedback was too short, and they need more time. The CM will take the final call on this.”