Karnataka Puts Private Sector Reservation Bill on Hold Amid Backlash

The Karnataka government has temporarily put on hold a controversial reservation bill for Kannadigas in private firms. The decision comes after significant backlash from business leaders and tech tycoons.

The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, was initially approved by the state Cabinet on Monday. It aimed to reserve 50% of jobs in management and 70% in non-management roles for local candidates. A final decision on the bill will now be taken in the next cabinet meeting.

Industry veterans have expressed strong objections to the proposed quota, labeling it 'fascist' and 'regressive.' Former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai and Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw are among the prominent voices criticizing the bill.

(With inputs from agencies.)