The Karnataka government has reportedly retracted its statement on making it mandatory for multinational companies operating in the state to prominently display numbers and percentages of their local Kannadiga workforce. IT Minister Priyank Kharge clarified no such legislation was passed yet.
No Such Act for Now
Seeking to control damage after widespread criticism of the announcement made in the Assembly, Kharge said the idea had emanated from suggestions by some legislators, but there exists no final policy directive as of now mandating that companies furnish employment breakup along linguistic lines.
He reiterated that the government just wants to generate maximum job opportunities for locals while attracting investments into Karnataka through congenial policies for businesses.
Aim to Boost Investments
By stating there is no final law on enforcing headcount disclosures yet, Minister Kharge tried placating industry leaders and corporates who had slammed the original pronouncement as a regressive and arbitrary move that can repel companies.
His assurances signal that the government’s fundamental focus stays boosting the state’s investment attractiveness across sectors including the all-important IT industry that has raised strong objections against such a discriminatory proposal.
Panel to Frame Rules
Kharge also revealed that the government has already constituted a panel to frame appropriate frameworks and rules through consultations if the idea around mandating transparent workforce composition reporting gains traction.
The Minister admitted that this specific suggestion had originated from some state legislative assembly members rather than being well-debated policy. Hence, expert inputs would guide next steps.
