Andhra Pradesh Woos Businesses Amid Karnataka's Controversial Quota Bill

Industrialists troubled by Karnataka's bill mandating local hiring quotas in private companies received a warm invitation from Andhra Pradesh's Nara Lokesh on Saturday. Lokesh extended an offer to relocate to Vizag, promising 'best-in-class facilities'.

'We understand your disappointment. We welcome you to expand or relocate your businesses to our IT, IT services, AI and data center cluster at Vizag,' Lokesh announced on X, highlighting the state’s uninterrupted power, infrastructure, and skilled talent with no governmental restrictions.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed on Wednesday that the bill enforcing a 50% reservation for local candidates in administrative roles and 75% in non-administrative roles has been temporarily put on hold. This decision follows widespread concerns among investors.

NASSCOM, representing the tech industry, voiced strong opposition, noting that such restrictions could prompt companies to relocate due to a scarcity of local skilled talent. Businessman TV Mohandas Pai also critiqued the bill, urging more investment in education and training instead.

CM Siddaramaiah assured that the bill would be revisited and further discussions would take place in the upcoming cabinet meetings.

(With inputs from agencies.)