BENGALURU, 1 JULY

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) (Karave) and the Karnataka Defence Forum, along with numerous other pro-Kannada organisations, staged a State-wide protest demanding the State government provide job reservations for Kannadigas.

The protests erupted in multiple cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru under a Statewide ‘Dharana Satyagraha’. They demanded the immediate formulation and implementation of legislation in the State.

Addressing the media, KRV President TA Narayana Gowda said, “We have organised this peaceful protest to demand 100 per cent full employment for all Kannadigas. The employment rates for Kannadigas are not high enough. By doing this the employers are betraying their people. We will be giving the government one month time to implement these demands. If our demand is unmet, we will turn this protest violent.”

In the petition that was submitted to the Chief Minister, the petitioners demanded that the State government should pass a law under the Industrial Employment Standing Orders Act of 1946 to mandate job reservations for Kannadigas. It highlights the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka and the pride Kannadigas take in their language and history.

One protestor told Salar News, “The protestors argue that the influx of migrants from northern and northeastern states has put immense pressure on local job markets, increasing unemployment among the locals.” “Private organisations established on our land are hiring HR officers from other states, who in turn, bring their people, sidelining our youth,” said another protester.

The list of demands include

• A written test is mandatory for those who want any kind of jobs in State and those passing it should be considered Kannadigas. The person should reside here for 15 years

• 100% reservation for Kannadigas in C and D Grade posts for all pvt firms

• 80% reservation in other posts for all pvt firms

• Institutions that fail to adhere to these regulations would face severe penalties, including license revocation

• The Kannada development authority should be granted more power to enforce laws effectively