K'taka govt puts Reservation Bill for Kannadigas in private companies on hold amid massive backlash

Proposed Bill mandates 50% of local candidates in management and 70% in non-management roles in pot firms

The Karnataka government has temporarily halted the contentious Reservation Bill aimed at providing employment quotas for Kannadigas in private firms, following intense criticism from business leaders and technology industry figures.

The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, which was approved by the state Cabinet on Monday, was scheduled to be presented in the Assembly on Thursday. However, a statement from the Office of the Chief Minister announced on Wednesday that the Bill has been put on hold and will be revisited in the coming days.

“The Bill approved by the Cabinet to provide reservation for Kannadigas in private sector organisations, industries and enterprises has been temporarily put on hold. This will be revisited and decided in the coming days,” the statement read.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also addressed the situation on social media platform X, stating: “The Bill intended to implement reservation for Kannadigas in private sector institutions, industries and enterprises is still in the preparation stage. A final decision will be taken after comprehensive discussion in the next cabinet meeting.”