Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday reiterated that the Karnataka government would take action against private companies found deliberately discriminating against Kannadigas in recruitment, while appealing to pro-Kannada organisations not to take matters into their own hands.

His statement comes amid growing complaints that native Kannada speakers are being overlooked by IT-BT companies in Bengaluru. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has announced protests outside technology firms from November 1, alleging that eligible local candidates are being denied employment opportunities.

Government promises action against discriminatory practices

In a post on X on October 30, the Chief Minister’s Office said the government had taken serious note of complaints that Kannadigas were being denied employment opportunities and overlooked during recruitment in Bengaluru’s IT-BT sector.

“The rights, dignity and employment opportunities of Kannadigas are of utmost importance to our government. We will not tolerate any deliberate discrimination against the youth of our state, and appropriate action will be taken against any private establishment found engaging in such practices,” Shivakumar said.

He assured that the government would examine the complaints and take necessary steps to address the concerns.

The chief minister’s remarks were aimed at reassuring local job seekers and addressing the concerns raised by pro-Kannada organisations. At the same time, he cautioned these groups against directly approaching technology companies to stage protests.

KRV announces protests from November 1

KRV has called for protests against IT companies from November 1, alleging that Kannadigas are being sidelined in recruitment despite Bengaluru being a major technology hub in Karnataka.

Questioning the employment practices of companies operating in the state, the organisation asked, “If you don’t give work to Kannadigas, why do you need Karnataka’s land, water, and electricity?”

The proposed demonstrations have brought renewed attention to the demand for greater employment opportunities for local candidates in the private sector.

Appealing to pro-Kannada organisations to avoid direct action against companies, Shivakumar said such matters should be addressed through dialogue and within the framework of the law.

“Therefore, I appeal to all organisations not to visit IT-BT companies directly or take matters into their own hands. Such issues must be resolved through dialogue and within the framework of the law. Our government remains firmly committed to protecting the rights and interests of Kannadigas,” he said.

Debate over local employment continues

The chief minister had made a similar assurance last week, stating that the government would act against any private institution found to have deliberately sidelined Kannadigas. He had also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of local youth.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara had backed the chief minister’s position, saying industries operating in Karnataka must provide employment opportunities to eligible local Kannadigas.

Parameshwara maintained that giving employment to local candidates was not a new policy and that the practice had been in place for a long time. He said industries were expected to adhere to it.

The issue is part of a longstanding debate in Karnataka over the participation of local candidates in private-sector employment, particularly in the technology and other major industries concentrated in Bengaluru.

In June, Shivakumar had also spoken about the government’s commitment to giving fresh momentum to Karnataka’s development. Among the measures announced at the time were plans to fill 56,000 vacant government posts and provide preference to Kannadigas in private-sector employment.

The latest assurances come as KRV prepares to intensify its campaign against IT-BT companies. While the government has promised action against establishments found practising deliberate discrimination, it has also urged organisations to avoid confrontational protests and allow the issue to be addressed through legal and administrative channels.