The Andhra Pradesh government has a special offer for Nasscom members after Karnataka passed a bill mandating quota for locals in both management and non-management jobs.
Andhra minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday called on IT companies to relocate to Vizag after the Congress-led Karnataka government’s decision to pass the reservation bill created a stir within the corporate circles.
In a post on X, Nara Lokesh said, “Dear Nasscom members, we understand your disappointment. We welcome you to expand or relocate your businesses to our IT, IT services, AI and data center cluster at Vizag. “
He added that the Chandrababu Naidu-led government in Andhra Pradesh will offer “best-in-class facilities, uninterrupted power, infrastructure and the most suitable skilled talent” to companies with no restrictions from the government.
Earlier today, the National Association of Software and Service Companies published a statement on the Karnataka State Employment of Local Industries Factories Establishment Act Bill, 2024. The body expressed “serious concern” about the provisions of the act and demanded scrapping the bill providing reservations to locals.
The passage of the bill drew the ire of industry stalwarts with many calling it discriminatory. Nasscom said that the bill will drive companies away from the state.
K’taka govt puts bill on hold
The bill, however, has been put on hold by the Karnataka government.
The government will likely hold wider consultation with stakeholders and bring in a new draft later.
About the bill
The state Cabinet on Monday cleared the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, which makes it compulsory for private firms to reserve jobs for Kannadigas.
“Any industry, factory or other establishments shall appoint fifty per cent of local candidates in management categories and seventy percent in non-management categories,” the bill read.
If the candidates do not possess secondary school certificates with Kannada as a language, should pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the ‘Nodal Agency,’ it added.
The nodal agency will have powers to call for any records information or documents in the possession of an employer or occupier or manager of an establishment for the purpose of verifying the report.
The government may appoint an officer not below the rank of Assistant Labour Commissioner as the authorised officer for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Act.
With inputs from agencies
Link to article –
‘Relocate to Vizag’: Andhra’s message to NASSCOM after its concern over Karnataka quota for locals
