Karnataka job reservations: Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw says safeguard talent pool

Leading industrialist Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Wednesday said there was a need to safeguard the skilled talent pool from the recently approved policy of the Karnataka government which has called for reservations for locals in the state. 

Shaw, who is the Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited wrote on X, “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.”   

Notable to mention that the Karnataka cabinet has approved a bill mandating 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in private firms for Group C and Group D posts, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday. This reservation requirement applies to employers under the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act or those employing 10 or more individuals for manufacturing or providing services.

The Chief Minister stated that this decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Monday. "The Cabinet meeting held yesterday approved a bill to make the recruitment of 100 per cent Kannadigas mandatory for Group C and D posts in all private industries in the state," Siddaramaiah shared on social media platform X.

Siddaramaiah expressed that his government intends to ensure that Kannadigas have the opportunity to lead a comfortable life in their state without being deprived of jobs in 'Kannada land.' "We are a pro-Kannada government. Our priority is to look after the welfare of Kannadigas," he added.

If an industry or factory is unable to find qualified or suitable local candidates, they are required to collaborate with the government or its agencies within three years to train and employ local candidates. 

"If sufficient number of local candidates are not available, then an industry, factory or other establishments may apply for relaxation from the provisions of this Act to the government and after due inquiry, the government may pass appropriate order…” the bill stated.