The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a new bill requiring industries, factories, and other establishments to hire a significant percentage of local candidates. According to The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, these businesses must appoint 50% local candidates for management positions and 75% for non-management roles.

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in penalties of up to Rs 25,000. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday evening.

The bill stipulates that candidates eligible for reservation must either possess a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language or pass a Kannada proficiency test specified by the nodal agency. If suitable local candidates are not available, the industries are required to take steps to train and engage local candidates within three years.

Moreover, the bill includes a provision for industries to seek relaxation if sufficient local candidates are not available. Establishments can apply to the government for an exemption, and the government will conduct an inquiry before making a decision.

A nodal agency will be established under the Act to verify employment reports from industries and submit periodic updates to the government.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced via Twitter on Tuesday that the Cabinet has also approved legislation mandating private industries to hire only Kannadigas for group ‘C’ and ‘D’ jobs.

The move is expected to boost local employment and ensure that local candidates are given priority in job opportunities within the state.

Image source: PTI