Karnataka Government Halts Job Reservation Bill Amid 'Certain Confusion'

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the temporary suspension of a bill mandating job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector, citing 'certain confusion'. The bill will be revisited in the next cabinet meeting. The move faced criticism from the industry, with concerns about companies potentially leaving Karnataka.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday that his administration would suspend the bill requiring job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector due to 'certain confusion.' The bill will be reconsidered in the next cabinet meeting to resolve ambiguities.

In response to Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka's demand for clarification, Siddaramaiah explained that the bill had initially gone through incomplete discussion in the cabinet meeting before media reports surfaced. 'There was some confusion. We will clear those confusions in the next cabinet meeting,' he stated.

Opposition leader Ashoka criticized Siddaramaiah for changing his public messages on 'X' thrice, initially claiming 100% reservation for Kannadigas, then modifying it to 50% for management roles and 70% for non-management roles, before finally announcing a hold on the bill. Siddaramaiah refuted the accusation of a 'Tughlaq government,' affirming it as a 'Siddaramaiah government,' committed to revisiting the bill in the upcoming cabinet session.

The bill mandates that private sectors reserve jobs for local candidates, with specific quotas and requirements, including proficiency in Kannada. The industry expressed concern, with NASSCOM warning of potential relocation of companies. However, ministers quickly reassured companies that their interests would be protected.

(With inputs from agencies.)