Amid controversy over Karnataka government's now-paused job quota bill, PhonePe CEO and founder Sameer Nigam has expressed his concerns.
The bill proposed reservation of 50 per cent of management roles and 70 per cent of non-management positions in private companies for Kannadigas. However, hours later the government has put the bill on hold amid growing protests from the tech sector, especially in Bengaluru.
Slamming the job quota bill, Nigam took to X, saying "I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ yrs. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don't deserve jobs in Karnataka? I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids don't deserve jobs in their home city?”
This comes after the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) said it was "deeply concered" and "disappointed" by the Karnataka government's bill proposing quota for locals, pointing out that it will hamper the growth of the industry, impact jobs and global brand for the state. It added that the bill will drive away companies and stifle startups.
Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) co-chair R.K. Mishra said the bill is "short-sighted" and it will scare Indian IT and GCCs.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh urged NASSCOM members to set shops in his state. "We understand your disappointment. We welcome you to expand or relocate your businesses to our IT, IT services, AI and data centre cluster at Vizag," he posted.
"We will offer you best in-class facilities, uninterrupted power, infrastructure and the most suitable skilled talent for your IT enterprise with no restrictions from the Government. Andhra Pradesh is ready to welcome you. Please get in touch!" the minister added.
Congress leader Priyank Kharge clapped back at Lokesh, saying the Karnataka draft bill will include recommendations from our industry partners. Then he went on to ask Lokesh, "... Wouldn’t you also like to ensure that every company invested in Andhra Pradesh employs deserving, trained and skilled individuals from Andhra Pradesh?"
He then addressed the concerns of the tech sector, saying, Dear @nasscom, be rest assured, we will not do anything that will not withstand legal scrutiny. This is your Government and as always we are just a call away."