/newsfirstprime/media/agency_attachments/2025/07/28/2025-07-28t111554609z-2025-07-23t100810984z-newsfirst_prime_640-siddesh-kumar-h-p-1-2025-07-23-15-38-10-2025-07-28-16-45-54.webp)
Follow Us
/newsfirstprime/media/post_attachments/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sameer-Nigam.jpg)
Sameer Nigam, CEO and co-founder of PhonePe, has publicly opposed the Karnataka government's recent bill proposing a reservation of private sector jobs for local residents. Nigam, an influential figure in India's tech industry, voiced his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the bill's potential to discriminate against individuals with diverse living backgrounds due to their parents' professions.
Also Read: Karnataka government pauses controversial job reservation bill amid tech industry backlash
In his post, Nigam shared his personal story, illustrating the challenges faced by those who have frequently relocated. "I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ years. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country," he wrote. Nigam emphasized that such individuals, despite contributing significantly to the nation's economy, could be unfairly disadvantaged by the bill.
I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ yrs
My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don't deserve jobs in Karnataka?
I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids dont deserve jobs in their home city?
Shame.
— Sameer.Nigam (@_sameernigam)
I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ yrs
My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don't deserve jobs in Karnataka?
I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids dont deserve jobs in their home city?
Shame.— Sameer Nigam (@_sameernigam) July 17, 2024
">July 17, 2024
Through his ventures, Nigam claims to have generated over 25,000 jobs across India. His critique underscores a broader concern within the business community about the potential impact of regional job reservations on the country's diverse and mobile workforce. The bill, intended to prioritize local employment, has sparked a debate on balancing regional benefits with equitable opportunities for all citizens.
As the Karnataka government moved forward with its initiative, responses from key industry leaders like Nigam suggested a need for a more inclusive approach that considers the mobility of professionals and their contributions to the broader economy.
