Tech leaders Kiran Mazumdar, Mohandas Pai slam Karnataka's local employment bill

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai, prominent figures in Karnataka's tech industry, have voiced strong opposition to the State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries Factories and Other Establishments Bill proposed by the state government. The bill mandates that 50 percent of management jobs and 75 percent of non-management jobs in all private sectors, including IT, be reserved for Kannadigas.

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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, expressed concerns over the potential impact on Bengaluru's status as a global tech hub. She emphasized the need for skilled talent in the tech sector, cautioning against measures that could hinder Karnataka's leading position in technology. Mazumdar-Shaw suggested the inclusion of exemptions for highly skilled recruitment to mitigate adverse effects on the industry.

As a tech hub we need skilled talent and whilst the aim is to provide jobs for locals we must not affect our leading position in technology by this move. There must be caveats that exempt highly skilled recruitment from this policy. @siddaramaiah@DKShivakumar@PriyankKhargehttps://t.co/itYWdHcMWw

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw)

As a tech hub we need skilled talent and whilst the aim is to provide jobs for locals we must not affect our leading position in technology by this move. There must be caveats that exempt highly skilled recruitment from this policy. @siddaramaiah@DKShivakumar@PriyankKhargehttps://t.co/itYWdHcMWw

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) July 17, 2024

">July 17, 2024

Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, condemned the bill as discriminatory and regressive. He criticized the government's interference in private sector hiring practices, likening the proposed legislation to a fascist move. Pai raised objections to mandatory language tests and the requirement for government officers on private sector recruitment committees, labeling the bill as contrary to constitutional principles. 

This bill should be junked. It is discriminatory, regressive and against the constitution @Jairam_Ramesh is govt to certify who we are? This is a fascist bill as in Animal Farm, unbelievable that @INCIndia can come up with a bill like this- a govt officer will sit on recruitment… https://t.co/GiWq42ArEu

— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai)

This bill should be junked. It is discriminatory, regressive and against the constitution @Jairam_Ramesh is govt to certify who we are? This is a fascist bill as in Animal Farm, unbelievable that @INCIndia can come up with a bill like this- a govt officer will sit on recruitment… https://t.co/GiWq42ArEu

— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) July 17, 2024

">July 17, 2024

The controversial bill, tabled in the current assembly session, has sparked intense debate across Karnataka. Proponents argue it prioritizes local employment, while critics fear it could stifle innovation and economic growth in the state. As discussions continue, stakeholders await further developments amid ongoing tensions over the proposed legislation.