Kannadigas to get training, not quota for IT jobs

TOUGH TASK: Officials say finding employees with the right skills is a challenge.

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Bangalore: The new government in Karnataka wants to employ as many Kannadigas as possible in the IT and BPO sectors. But instead of reservations the state intends to use a more industry-friendly approach.

"Our main thrust is to provide employment for the locals. This is the big task," says Katta Subramanya Naidu, IT and BT Minister.

The Bharatiya Janata Party government does not intend to arm twist the industry to reserve jobs for Kannagidas but plans to focus on skill-based training in the villages to make the youth more employable.

"We are having dialogue with the industry concentrating on skill development. All rural areas and taluks we are starting a skill development program and we are thinking of tying up with the higher education department, the IT industry and the government to provide this training," Naidu says.

Officials say finding employees with the right skills is a challenge. They hope by training, they will attract companies to hire from rural and semi-urban Karnataka

"The government will think in terms of state support in terms of infrastructure, incentives, the various clearances required," Ashok Kumar C Manoli, Karnataka IT Secretary, says.

This is music to the ears of all IT companies in the state, who were facing the possibility of a 30 per cent job reservation for locals in the sector before the state elections.

It now needs to be seen if the state governments new path to inclusive growth shows results.

(With inputs from Roshni Menon)