Difficult Diktat

The Bill makes it mandatory for private companies to reserve 75 percent of jobs for residents of the state and has led to a furore among industry and Opposition parties

- Gautam Mishra

IT is a bill that has led to some amount of consternation. The Haryana assembly recently passed the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Bill that makes it mandatory for the private sector to reserve 75 percent of jobs for residents of Haryana for posts with a gross monthly income of not more than Rs 50,000. The bill covers all companies, societies, trusts, partnership firms, limited liability partnership firms and those employing over 10 people.

The motive behind the Bill, it is believed, was the large influx of migrants competing for low-paid jobs that impact local infrastructure and housing and has led to the proliferation of slums. This has led to environmental and health issues, which have been acutely felt in the urban areas of Haryana, affecting the quality of living and livelihood. Therefore, giving preference to local candidates for low-paid jobs is socially, economically and environmentally desirable and would be in the interests of the general public.

The Bill was passed despite strong objection from the Opposition as well as a member of the ruling alliance, JJP MLA Ram Kumar Gautam from Narnaund called the Bill “ridiculous legislation” and “100 percent wrong”.