Bengaluru: The ongoing language dispute with Kerala could affect policymaking in the state as the state govt has decided to move cautiously on the proposed bill providing job reservation for Kannadigas in both govt and private sectors. Tensions had already been high following the eviction of encroachers in Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru, which became a sensitive issue in poll-bound Kerala. Then, reports that the Kerala govt had passed a bill mandating Malayalam as the first language in Kannada-medium schools, including in border areas such as Kasargod, further escalated the situation. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified that his govt had no intention of imposing Malayalam on Kannadigas, but the issue has continued to simmer. Officials in Karnataka said these developments prompted the state govt to soften its stance and keep the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 on hold for now. The bill proposes mandatory job reservations for locals in private and govt sectors. Chief minister Siddaramaiah recently reaffirmed his commitment to the legislation, announcing at a Jana Rajyotsava event organised by pro-Kannada groups that the cabinet would discuss the bill before taking it to the legislature. However, senior officials have reportedly advised Siddaramaiah to tread carefully. Labour minister Santosh Lad, who is expected to pilot the bill, said he would discuss the matter with the CM. The law department will scrutinise the draft and hold consultations with constitutional experts. “As the CM said, our govt’s commitment to ensure justice for locals in terms of jobs will never be compromised,” said law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil. “But we need to tread carefully and consider legal issues before introducing the bill so that it stands legal scrutiny.” The measured approach is also shaped by objections from captains of industry, especially in the IT-BT sector. Many have raised concerns that the proposed quotas — 50% for managerial posts, 70% for non-managerial roles, and 100% for Group C and D posts — could undermine merit. The bill defines locals as those born in Karnataka, domiciled for over 15 years, or able to read, write, and speak Kannada after a language test. Industry veteran TV Mohan Das Pai called the move “an attempt to distract from governance and law-and-order failures”. Meanwhile, pro-Kannada organisations have expressed anger over the delay. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has issued an ultimatum for “visible progress” by the first week of Feb, warning of state-wide protests if demands are not met. “These IT-BT sector representatives are blackmailing the govt. The govt should never give in to these tactics,” said KRV president TA Narayana Gowda. “We urge the CM to keep his promise and get the cabinet to discuss the proposed bill. We will wait till Feb first week and launch a massive protest in the event of the govt’s failure to meet our demand.”
