Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took to X on Sunday to issue a stern warning to Bengaluru’s private IT firms. He said the state would act against any company that deliberately sidelines Kannadigas, stressing that the rights, dignity and opportunities of native Kannada speakers must not be compromised. Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s technology capital makes the claim all the more significant.
The warning follows a draft bill passed by the 2024 cabinet under former CM Siddaramaiah that would have set a 50‑percent quota for local management and 70‑percent for non‑management roles in private firms. Industry groups pushed back, and the bill was put on hold, leaving the quota regime in limbo. Shivakumar’s remarks signal a possible revival of the measure.
The call to action came after a video of a young woman alleging language‑based hiring discrimination went viral. Times Now Digital could not confirm the authenticity of the clip, but the incident has stoked fears among Kannadigas that their language and culture are being marginalized in the city’s job market.
State officials will reportedly launch an inquiry into the complaints, and firms found in violation could face penalties under the pending quota legislation. Shivakumar also pledged that the government remains committed to addressing Kannadiga concerns, hinting at a possible policy shift to protect local interests.