A Kannada group, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), began visiting technology companies in Bengaluru on Monday to survey how many local residents they have hired in the last three years, as part of its campaign demanding a larger share of private-sector jobs for Karnataka residents.
KRV launched its campaign, Agraha Abhiyana, despite an appeal by chief minister DK Shivakumar to not visit information technology and biotech companies to seek the data. The KRV communication seeks details on the total workforce, the proportion of employees from Karnataka, and recruitment figures for the previous three years. It also asks companies to disclose the distribution of Kannadigas across Group A, B, C and D positions, the facilities available to local employees and the standards used to assess applicants’ educational qualifications, professional abilities and experience.
KRV state president T A Narayana Gowda said it had deployed 10 teams of 10 members each to approach companies, submit memorandums, and collect information on their hiring practices. Gowda said they collected data from 100 establishments on Monday.
He said members had been instructed to maintain a cordial approach during their visits and avoid confrontations with company management or security personnel. “Our workers will approach the companies politely and explain their intention by displaying identity cards,” he said. Companies have been given four to five days to send across the information, Gowda said.
“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. KRV claimed its field teams visited several establishments in Bengaluru and received a positive response.
Our government remains firmly committed to protecting the rights and interests of Kannadigas,” he said. Gowda said companies operating in Karnataka should give Kannadigas the largest share of employment opportunities and recognise their responsibilities towards the state.
Shivakumar had earlier asked the organisation not to visit the companies.
