Karnataka Industries Minister jumps to douse fire as top industrialists slam bill for jobs for locals

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Minister for Industry & Infrastructure, MB Patil, addressed concerns on Wednesday as the state, governed by Congress, gears up to introduce a bill that would reserve jobs for Kannadigas in the private sector.

This move has sparked outrage among top industry figures, who caution that it could diminish Karnataka’s competitive advantage in attracting investments.

Biocon’s founder, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, commented, “As a technology hub, we require skilled talent. While the goal is to create jobs for locals, we must ensure that our technological leadership is not compromised by this policy. There should be exceptions for highly skilled recruitment.”

TV Mohandas Pai, former director of Infosys, criticized the bill as “discriminatory, regressive, and unconstitutional,” likening it to a “fascist bill” akin to George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm.’ He expressed disbelief that the Congress party could propose such legislation, which includes a government officer participating in the private sector’s recruitment committees and necessitates a language test.

On Monday, the state cabinet approved ‘The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates In the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.’

Patil, having recently led a delegation to Japan and South Korea to attract investments, assured the media that he would address these concerns.

He plans to consult with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, Law Minister HK Patil, and Labour Minister Santosh Lad, aiming for broader discussions on the bill while considering the interests of Kannadigas. He affirmed, “We will make sure that the interests of Kannadigas are safeguarded, along with those of the industries.”