BMRCL withdraws controversial recruitment notice amid backlash

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has withdrawn a controversial recruitment notification that relaxed Kannada language requirements for hiring 50 loco pilots on a contract basis for Namma Metro. The decision follows strong protests from pro-Kannada groups and local activists who argued that the new criteria would disadvantage native Kannadigas.

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Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing local candidates for metro jobs. He announced the withdrawal of the notification after directing the BMRCL managing director to review the hiring process and ensure adherence to state policies.

The notification, issued on march 12, had allowed candidates without prior knowledge of Kannada to apply for the loco pilot positions, provided they learned the language within one year of employment. It also required applicants to have at least three years of experience as a loco pilot in any metro network. This provision sparked criticism, as many believed it would open the doors for candidates from other states, sidelining local talent.

In response to the backlash, BMRCL is expected to revise its recruitment norms to align with Karnataka’s state policies. The state government has previously advocated for reserving a significant portion of jobs for local residents, as seen in the State Employment of Local Candidates Bill passed in 2023, which proposed reserving  50% of management jobs and 75% of non-management roles for Kannadigas. Though the bill faced resistance, the government continues to push for more opportunities for locals, as demonstrated by the BMRCL’s decision.