BENGALURU: In an attempt to avoid legal hurdles and ensure successful implementation of its job reservation policy for local candidates, the Karnataka govt has redefined the term “Kannadiga” to include any person who has been domiciled in the state for 15 years, can speak, read and write Kannada, and has passed a test conducted by the nodal agency.
Govt is expected to table the bill within a week.
According to the draft bill, accessed by TOI, the definition of a local candidate has been broadened to include individuals who meet these cri teria, thereby ensuring the policy does not face legal hurdles under Article 16 of the Constitution which prescribes equality in employ ment opportunities.
‘The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024’ proposes that all industries, factories, and other establishments in the state reserve 50% of jobs in managerial roles and 70% in non-managerial jobs for local candidates.
However, the bill also stipulates that candidates not possessing a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language will need to pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the nodal agency.
The bill also grants a reprieve to establishments, suggesting that if sufficiently qualified or suitable local candidates are not available for a certain role, the entity can, within three years, take steps to train and engage local candidates in collaboration with govt or its agencies.
If enough local candidates are not available, the establishment can apply for relaxation of norms. However, the percentage of local candidates should not fall below 25% in managerial positions and 50% in non-management categories.
The labour department has also proposed penalties for non-compliance, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. If the contravention continues, there will be a penalty of Rs 100 per day as long as the contravention continues. “No court shall take cognisance of any offence under this act unless a complaint is filed within six months from day the offence is committed,” the bill says.