Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has warned private institutions and IT companies against deliberately sidelining local candidates, following allegations that Kannadigas are being denied employment opportunities in Bengaluru's technology sector.
In a post on social media platform X, Shivakumar described the complaints as "disheartening" and said the state government would take appropriate action against institutions found deliberately excluding Kannadigas from recruitment.
"In Karnataka, the Kannadiga is sovereign," Shivakumar said, stressing that the government would not allow the rights, dignity and employment opportunities of local residents to be disregarded.
Viral video alleges discrimination against Kannadigas
The controversy gained attention after a young woman alleged in a video circulating on social media on October 24 that some IT companies in Bengaluru were rejecting candidates who mentioned Kannada as their mother tongue on their resumes.
She also alleged that companies were favouring candidates from other states and recruiting them at lower salaries instead of offering more opportunities to graduates from colleges in Bengaluru.
The video further raised concerns over IT companies allegedly conducting fewer campus recruitment drives at local colleges and seeking candidates proficient in languages such as Tamil and Telugu without specifying Kannada as a requirement in certain job advertisements.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the video did not identify the companies involved.
DK Shivakumar warns companies of action
Responding to the controversy, Shivakumar said the government had taken the complaints seriously and would intervene if any private institution was found deliberately sidelining local candidates.
He emphasised that protecting the interests of Kannadigas remained a priority and that the government would not tolerate deliberate discrimination against them.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the contribution of local talent to Bengaluru's reputation as India's technology capital, expressing pride in the skills, capabilities and hard work of Kannadigas.
However, he did not announce any specific new policy or enforcement measures in his statement.
Debate over local employment opportunities in Bengaluru
The allegations have reignited the debate over employment opportunities for local residents in Bengaluru, which attracts professionals from across India because of its large technology and business sectors.
The issue has also prompted discussions on social media, with Kannada activists and other users calling for greater scrutiny of recruitment practices and fair access to jobs for local graduates.
While concerns over local employment have gained attention, the claims of systematic discrimination remain unproven. Responses from the companies concerned and further details about the alleged recruitment practices are awaited.
The controversy is likely to keep the spotlight on hiring practices in Karnataka's private sector and the government's approach to protecting local employment opportunities while maintaining Bengaluru's position as a leading technology hub.
