Karnataka Reservation Bill 2024 - Summary
The Karnataka Government has approved a bill mandating reservation for locals in the private sector. The bill, approved by the state cabinet, directs the appointment of Kannadigas to 50 per cent of management positions and 75 per cent of non-management positions. The decision has invited a huge backlash from the industry.
The Karnataka state cabinet approved a bill on Monday to make the recruitment of 100 per cent Kannadigas mandatory for lower-grade (Group ‘C and D’) posts in all private industries in the state. However, the Chief Minister deleted the post amid the backlash.
WHAT DOES THE BILL SAY?
The Bill defines a local candidate as a person who is born in Karnataka, domiciled in the state for a period of 15 years, and capable of speaking, reading, and writing Kannada legibly.
The candidates must have a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language. If not, they should pass a Kannada proficiency test, as specified by the nodal agency notified by the government, the Bill states.
If qualified local candidates are not available, the industries and establishments, in collaboration with the government, should take steps to train local candidates within three years.
If a sufficient number of local candidates are still not available, companies may apply for relaxation. However, the relaxation provided shall not be less than 25 per cent for management categories and 50 per cent for non-management categories, the Bill mandates.
Failure to comply with the Employment of Local Candidates Act may attract penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.
