Karnataka Rakshana Vedike launches state‑wide IT hiring data drive despite CM's plea

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has begun a month‑long, state‑wide drive to collect hiring data from IT and biotechnology firms despite a public request from Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to avoid such visits. Shivakumar had asked Kannada organisations not to approach IT‑BT companies directly, saying the state government was already examining discrimination complaints and that issues should be resolved through dialogue and law. The campaign is led by KRV state president T. A. Narayanagowda, who says the group will meet company heads across Karnataka and hand over letters demanding information. On the first day, member Dinesh Kumar reported that KRV activists visited nearly 50 firms in Bengaluru and handed the letters without causing any disruption. The letters ask each company for the total workforce, the share of Kannadiga employees, and recruitment data for the past three years. They also request the number of Karnataka‑resident candidates hired, the recruitment criteria used, and steps taken to give qualified locals a chance. Companies are asked to reply to any complaints of discrimination raised by Kannada‑speaking staff or job seekers. Narayanagowda emphasized that the drive does not single out any firm but aims to verify grievances and find solutions, noting that firms benefiting from Karnataka’s resources should answer responsibly. KRV will compile the responses and bring the findings to the concerned companies and the state government for further action.

Context

Collecting such data helps assess whether local hiring promises are being met and highlights any gaps in employment opportunities for residents of Karnataka.