The Karnataka cabinet has approved the draft of the State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024. This legislation mandates that 50% of management positions and 75% of non-management roles be reserved for local candidates.

 

The draft bill requires local candidates who lack a secondary school certificate in Kannada to pass a specific Kannada proficiency test. If qualified local candidates are not available, industries, factories, and establishments must collaborate with government agencies to train and employ local talent within three years.

 

Draft Bill to be Presented During Assembly Session

Reports indicate that the draft bill will be tabled during the current Assembly session.

 

The draft bill details penalties for non-compliance. Employers, occupiers, or managers who do not adhere to the provisions may face fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. Repeated violations could result in additional penalties of ₹100 per day until compliance is achieved.

 The bill defines a 'local candidate' as someone born in Karnataka, domiciled in the state for 15 years, fluent in Kannada, and who passes a required test administered by a nodal agency. The 'management category' includes supervisory, managerial, technical, operational, administrative, and higher roles, excluding directors. The 'non-management category' covers clerical, unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, IT/ITES employees, and contract or casual workers in various establishments.

Industries or establishments can apply for relaxations from the mandated quotas under certain conditions, subject to government approval. Any relaxation granted shall not reduce the quotas by more than 25% for management positions and 50% for non-management roles.

A nodal agency will ensure compliance with the bill's provisions, verifying reports submitted by employers and requesting additional information or documents as necessary. Additionally, the government may appoint an authorized officer to enforce adherence to the Act.