Pro-Kannada group visits IT companies in Bengaluru, campaign for more jobs for Kannadigas

Pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has launched a campaign demanding fair employment opportunities for Kannadigas in Karnataka’s IT sector. Members of the organisation met representatives of 22 IT companies on Monday, November 2, urging them to ensure transparency in recruitment and address complaints of discrimination against local candidates.

In a letter addressed to the companies, the KRV questioned whether Kannadigas were being provided adequate employment opportunities despite the companies operating in the state. It said complaints had emerged that qualified and capable local candidates were being denied jobs and that discrimination was taking place during recruitment. The organisation also claimed that Kannada-speaking employees in the IT sector had raised concerns over the issue.

The KRV asked the companies to clarify the measures they had taken to ensure fair employment opportunities for Kannadigas. It called on them to identify local talent, provide skills training where necessary and ensure that qualified local candidates were given opportunities to attend interviews.

“We are not prepared to compromise on the issue of providing employment opportunities to Kannadigas. This is something that must be implemented. Mere assurances are not enough; they must translate into concrete action,” the organisation said in its letter.

It also asked the companies to share information on their recruitment practices and explain the steps taken to address complaints. The organisation said it would examine the information and grievances collected through the campaign and bring them to the attention of the concerned companies and the government for further action.

“Organisations that grow on Karnataka's soil and operate with the support of the state's resources must also respect the employment aspirations of its people,” the letter said, warning that failure to address the concerns could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

The campaign comes days after Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state government would take action against private companies found to be deliberately sidelining Kannadigas in recruitment. He had however, asked the pro Kannada groups not to take matters into their own hands.

The issue has revived the debate over reservations for local candidates in the private sector. In 2024, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a Bill proposing reservations for Kannadigas in private industries. However, the government put the Bill on hold following objections from industry leaders and business associations, who raised concerns over its provisions.