India: Notification issued mandating industries to give preference locals for jobs in Karnataka

The State Government of Karnataka vide its notification dated 7 December 2019, amending the provisions of the Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Rules 1961 (“Rules”) whereby both public and private sector industries have been directed to give priority to Kannada-speaking individuals for local jobs.

The key provisions that have been brought in pursuant to the above notification are as follows:

1. Appointment of Kannada-speaking individuals in local jobs: Every industrial establishment that is carrying on business in the State of Karnataka, whether or not it receives any form of benefits under any policy or by the State Government, is required to give priority, in terms of local jobs, to Kannada-speaking individuals who: (i) are Indian citizens; (ii) have been residing in Karnataka for not less than 15 years; and (iii) are able to read, write and speak Kannada. The above is subject to adequate qualification, competence and experience.
2. Employment opportunity to individuals who have benchmark disability: Every establishment should provide not less than 5% of its total employment opportunities to people with benchmark disability. A person with benchmark disability means a person with not less than 40% of a specified disability.