In a major push for reservation in private sector jobs, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has planned to provide Kannadigas with 100% reservation for those working in blue-collar jobs in the private sector across the state.
The 100% horizontal reservation for Kannadigas is meant for all private industries – except those in the info-tech and biotech sector – that secure concessions under the industrial policy of Karnataka.
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If industries do not follow these new guidelines, the government will cancel all concessions given to them. The amendments will be implemented once the law department gives its approval the second time.
The decision of the Karnataka Chief Minister comes after Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale proposed reservation in private sector jobs for the Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes.
The state labour department has released the draft amendments to the Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules of 1961 to this end.
Here’s a look at what the draft of Amendments to Karnataka Industrial Employment Rules, 1961 says:
• 100% horizontal reservation for Kannadigas is meant for all private industries
• Applies to every company which has obtained concession of loans, water, electricity, or tax rebate or deferment of tax from State
• Industrial establishments shall not provide less than 5 % of employment to persons with disabilities
• Those in the info-tech and biotech sector are exempted as they are not covered
This move by the Karnataka government has sparked off a debate with many questioning the 100% reservation proposed.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that it was not right to give a 100% reservation only to Kannadigas.
“No, 100% of reservation is not okay. In Maharashtra too, we are giving 20% reservation for people from other states. Karnataka is developing state and many people are coming into Karnataka from different parts of the country, so 100% is not okay. The government should think about 80%, and some reservation should be for people from other states,” Athavale stated.
However, even as the move will benefit the Kannadiga population, with 100% reservation, the private sector could suffer a setback as it would hinder choosing the best candidates, irrespective of the linguistic background or domicile of the person, to comply with the rule.
