Karnataka: CM Shivakumar asks pro-Kannada groups to stay away from IT firms, promises action on hiring bias

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged pro-Kannada organisations not to take matters into their own hands after reports of protests outside technology companies in Bengaluru over alleged discrimination against Kannadigas in recruitment.

The appeal comes amid growing complaints that local candidates are being overlooked for jobs by the IT/BT companies. The issue gained traction after a social media video alleging bias against Kannadigas in hiring went viral, triggering widespread debate online.

"Such issues must be resolved through dialogue and within the framework of the law. Our government remains firmly committed to protecting the rights and interests of Kannadigas," Shivakumar said in a statement.


The CM said the government had taken serious note of allegations that native Kannada speakers were being denied employment opportunities in Bengaluru's technology industry. "The rights, dignity and employment opportunities of Kannadigas are of utmost importance to our government," he said, adding that the state would not tolerate deliberate discrimination against local youth.


Shivakumar assured that the government would directly examine the complaints and take appropriate action against any private establishment found engaging in discriminatory hiring practices.

Last week, the chief minister warned technology companies of action if allegations of bias against Kannadigas were substantiated, reviving a politically sensitive debate over local employment in Karnataka.

"The world sees Bengaluru as India's technology capital, and we take immense pride in the talent and capabilities of our Kannadigas. If it is found that any private institution has deliberately sidelined Kannadigas, the government will take appropriate action," he had said.

The controversy has once again put the spotlight on local job quotas, nearly two years after the DK Shivakumar-led government put on hold a proposed law mandating reservations for locals in private-sector employment following strong opposition from the technology industry and industry body Nasscom.

The draft legislation proposed reserving 50% of management positions and 75% of non-management jobs for locals in industries, factories and other establishments across the state. Nasscom had argued that such a move could hurt Karnataka's investment climate and undermine its position as one of India's leading technology hubs.

The debate resurfaced again late last year when the state government signalled that it was exploring measures to increase employment opportunities for Kannadigas in the private sector.