The controversial Karnataka Reservation Bill has been met with a huge backlash by technology employees, founders of startup companies and the industry alike. The bill, which was cleared in the Karnataka Assembly initially, has now been put on hold after facing condemnation from notable personalities. The new Karnataka Reservation bill was hoping to mandate the following:
- 50% Reservation for locals in management jobs.
- 75% Reservation in non-management categories.
- 100% Reservation in Group C and D jobs.
“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,” said Siddaramaiah, CM, Karnataka on Tuesday evening on the Karnataka Reservation Bill.
Also read: Karnataka Has Played Pivotal Role in India’s Startup Revolution: BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM
However, this decision met with immense retaliation with several notable personalities voicing their opinion strongly against the bill. “This bill should be junked. It is discriminatory, regressive, and against the constitution. Jairam Ramesh, is the government supposed to certify who we are? This is a fascist bill, reminiscent of Animal Farm. It is unbelievable that Congress party can come up with a bill like this. A government officer will sit on recruitment committees of the private sector? People will have to take a language test?” said Mohandas Pat.
In the same vein, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said: “As a tech hub we need skilled talent and whilst the aim is to provide jobs for locals we must not affect our leading position in technology by this move. There must be caveats that exempt highly skilled recruitment from this policy.”
Some of the views suggested that Karnataka was not made by Kannadiga talent alone. Therefore, implementing the Karnataka reservation bill would take the “Silicon Valley of India” status away from Bangalore. “Bangalore aka the Silicon Valley of India might soon loose this remark. “If the Karnataka government did not revoke this 50% reservation bill. Reservations in the private sectors is only going to take the country backwards,” said Kartik Joshi on Twitter.
What NASSCOM Says About Karnataka Reservation Bill
NASSOCM and its members expressed disappointment and deep concern regarding the passage of the Karnataka Reservation Bill. “Tech sector contributes to 25% of the state GDP, houses a quarter of the country’s digital talent, over 11000 start-ups and 30% of the total GCCs. Restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce. In today’s highly competitive landscape, knowledge led businesses will locate where talent is as attracting skilled workers is crucial for success. Globally, there is a huge shortage for skilled talent and Karnataka despite the large pool, is no exception. For states to become a key technology hub a dual strategy is key – magnet for best talent worldwide and focussed investment in building a strong talent pool within the state through formal and vocational channels,” said NASSCOM.
“The technology sector has been crucial to Karnataka’s economic and social development, with Bengaluru known globally as India’s Silicon Valley. The technology sector contributes almost 25% of the state GDP and has played a key role in enabling higher growth for the state, higher per capita income than the national average. With over a quarter of India’s digital talent, the state houses over 30% of the total GCCs and around 11000 start-ups. Its deeply disturbing to see this kind of bill which will not only hamper the growth of the industry, impact jobs and the global brand for the state. nasscom members are seriously concerned about the provisions of this bill and urge the state government to withdraw the bill. The bill’s provisions threaten to reverse this progress, drive away companies, and stifle startups, especially when more global firms (GCCs) are looking to invest in the state. At the same time, the restrictions could force companies to relocate as local skilled talent becomes scarce. nasscom is seeking an urgent meeting for industry representatives with state authorities to discuss the concerns and prevent the state’s progress from being derailed,” added the industry body.
Government Puts Bill on Hold After Backlash
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced that they have put a hold on the bill. “The draft bill intended to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector companies, industries, and enterprises is still in the preparation stage. A comprehensive discussion will be held in the next cabinet meeting to make a final decision,” he said.