Government should reduce job quota limit for Kannadigas: FKCCI

Kannadiga jobs quota: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) has welcomed the decision to introduce job quotas for Kannadigas but suggests that the government should reduce the upper limit of these quotas.

"While it's important to prioritize local employment, certain categories of skilled workers are essential to run industries effectively. Thus, the quota limit should be reduced," Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, Senior Vice President of FKCCI told Republic Business.

The statement follows the Karnataka cabinet's approval of a bill mandating 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in private sector Group C and D posts, as announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The bill, named 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,' will be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday, according to sources in the law department.

The bill stipulates that industries, factories, and other establishments must appoint 50 per cent local candidates in management categories and 70 per cent in non-management categories. Candidates lacking a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language must pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the 'Nodal Agency.'

If qualified local candidates are unavailable, establishments must, within three years, collaborate with the government or its agencies to train them. Establishments may apply for a relaxation from the provisions of the Act if sufficient local candidates are not available.

The bill specifies that the government's relaxation orders will be final, with a minimum relaxation of 25 per cent for management categories and 50 per cent for non-management categories.

Industries and other establishments must inform the nodal agency about their compliance with the Act's provisions. The nodal agency will verify compliance reports and has the authority to request any records or documents from employers for verification purposes.

The government may appoint an officer of at least Assistant Labour Commissioner rank to ensure compliance. Employers who contravene the Act's provisions will face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, with additional penalties for continued non-compliance.

"If the contravention continues after a penalty has been imposed, further penalties may extend to one hundred rupees for each day until compliance is achieved," the bill states.