States » SouthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 11:05AM


KRV intensifies Kannadiga jobs campaign, warns IT firms of protests

Bengaluru, Nov 4 (UNI) Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has intensified its campaign demanding a larger share of private-sector jobs for Kannadigas, expanding its visits to information technology companies and major retail establishments in Bengaluru and warning of protests against firms that fail to share employment data.
The month-long 'Agraha Abhiyana', launched on November 1 to coincide with Kannada Rajyotsava, seeks details of the representation of Kannadigas in private companies, their recruitment practices and employment opportunities provided to local candidates.
KRV president TA Narayana Gowda said the organisation had deployed 10 teams, each comprising 10 members, to approach companies and collect information. The teams reportedly visited around 100 establishments on the first day and another 112 on the second day, submitting representations to their human resources departments.
The organisation has sought details of the total workforce, the percentage of Kannadigas employed, recruitment figures for the past three years, hiring criteria, campus recruitment practices and initiatives undertaken to provide skill development, internships and employment opportunities to local youth.
KRV has also raised concerns that qualified Kannadiga candidates are being overlooked during recruitment in favour of applicants from other states.
Gowda maintained that the campaign was peaceful and aimed at gathering information rather than intimidating businesses. He said the exercise would continue across Karnataka until November 30 and that a comprehensive report, incorporating employment statistics and grievances, would be submitted to the state government for appropriate action.
The organisation has indicated that it would extend the campaign beyond IT companies to manufacturing establishments, corporate offices, banking institutions and other major private-sector employers.
However, the campaign has triggered concern within sections of the IT industry. Entrepreneur and industry veteran TG Ramesh criticised the direct visits to companies, warning that such approaches could create uncertainty among businesses and affect Karnataka's investment climate.
He argued that recruitment in the private sector should remain merit-based and cautioned against measures that could discourage businesses from operating in the state.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to Kannada organisations not to directly approach IT-BT companies or take the law into their own hands. He has assured that the government would examine complaints of discrimination against Kannadigas and take appropriate action against companies found violating applicable rules.
The latest developments have also revived the debate over Karnataka's proposed private-sector job reservation legislation. The state Cabinet had approved a Bill in 2024 proposing reservation for Kannadigas in private industries, but it was put on hold following objections from industry representatives.
KRV is pressing the government to take concrete steps towards implementing local employment safeguards, arguing that companies benefiting from Karnataka's infrastructure, resources and government incentives should also provide meaningful opportunities to its youth.
The controversy has brought the competing concerns of local employment, merit-based recruitment and Karnataka's ability to retain investments into sharp focus.
UNI BDN
Tags: #KRV intensifies Kannadiga jobs campaign# warns IT firms of protests
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