Karnataka proposes Bill for 50-75% Kannadiga quota in private jobs.
The proposed bill in Karnataka defines a local as an individual born in the state and domiciled there for at least 15 years. To qualify, the person must speak, read, and write Kannada. Additionally, they must hold a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language. This bill aims to provide a 50 to 75 percent quota for Kannadigas in private sector jobs. The emphasis on local language proficiency and long-term residence underscores the state’s commitment to promoting employment opportunities for its native residents.
The Karnataka cabinet is proposing a bill to introduce reservations for locals under the Kannadiga quota in private sector jobs, encompassing industries, factories, and other establishments within the State. Titled the Karnataka State Government Employment of Local Candidates in Industries Bill, 2024, the bill mandates a 50 percent reservation for locals in managerial positions and 75 percent in non-managerial roles.
In instances where there are insufficient eligible candidates, the proposed legislation requires that the relevant industry, in collaboration with the State, train local candidates within three years to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications. To oversee the implementation of this law, the bill also provides for the appointment of a nodal agency by the State.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted that the bill is still in the preparation stage, with a comprehensive discussion scheduled for the next cabinet meeting before a final decision is made.
Objective of the Proposed Law
The Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserts that the bill is essential to provide adequate employment opportunities to locals. The government believes it is expedient to ensure that locals are employed in factories, industries, and similar establishments.
Definition of a ‘Local’
According to the bill, a local candidate is defined as a person born in Karnataka and domiciled in the State for at least 15 years. Additionally, the individual must be able to speak, read, and write Kannada proficiently. Candidates should possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language. If they do not have such a certificate, they must pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the nodal agency.
Penalties for Breach of the Proposed Law
The bill prescribes monetary penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh for isolated or repeated breaches of any of its provisions. It also includes a limitation period of six months for prosecution.
Other States with Similar Laws and Their Current Status
Several other Indian states have enacted or proposed similar laws to reserve jobs for local candidates:
- Andhra Pradesh: In 2019, the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly passed the Andhra Pradesh Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries/Factories Act, reserving 75% of jobs for local candidates. This law was challenged before the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which in 2020 observed that the 75% quota might be unconstitutional. The legislation has not yet been fully implemented by the State.
- Haryana: In 2020, Haryana enacted the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, which mandates a 75% reservation in private sector jobs for locals. This Act was challenged before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which in 2022 quashed the law, terming it ultra vires of Part III of the Constitution and in
- Jharkhand: In 2022, the Jharkhand government passed the Jharkhand Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Bill, proposing to increase the reservation in state government jobs from 60% to 77% for people belonging to the SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories. A year later, the Governor returned the bill for review. The State passed the bill again in 2023 without any revisions, but it is yet to be sent to the Governor for assent.
The proposed Karnataka bill is part of a broader trend in Indian states seeking to secure employment opportunities for local candidates. The effectiveness and constitutionality of such laws have been subjects of debate and legal challenges, as seen in the cases of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
Conclusion
The Karnataka State Government Employment of Local Candidates in Industries Bill, 2024, represents a significant move to secure employment opportunities for Kannadigas in the private sector. The bill’s provisions for training local candidates and appointing a nodal agency for implementation reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing potential challenges in fulfilling the reservation quotas.
As the bill moves towards a final decision, it will be essential to monitor the discussions in the upcoming cabinet meeting and the responses from various stakeholders, including industry representatives and legal experts. The outcomes of similar laws in other states may also provide valuable insights into the potential implications and challenges of implementing such a policy in Karnataka.