PhonePe CEO and co-founder Sameer Nigam recently voiced strong criticism against Karnataka’s private sector quota bill. This controversial legislation mandates reserving 50% of management jobs and 70% of non-management jobs in private companies for local residents. The bill, however, has been put on hold following significant backlash.
Sameer Nigam took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent, questioning whether his children deserve to be denied job opportunities in their home city just because they haven’t lived in Karnataka for an extended period. He highlighted his background, noting that his father’s naval career meant frequent relocations, which impacted his family’s residency duration in any single state.
In his post, Nigam wrote, “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 25,000+ jobs across India! My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city?” This message resonated with many, generating numerous reactions online.
One X user responded, suggesting that learning the local language would suffice to secure jobs in Karnataka. Nigam countered, asserting that Karnataka comprises more than just Kannada speakers and emphasized his constitutional right to work and live anywhere in India.
Another user commented on the importance of adapting to the local culture and language, suggesting that such adaptation could have mitigated the issue. Yet another highlighted the need for equal job opportunities across all Indian states.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also addressed the controversy, stating on X, “The draft bill intended to provide reservations for Kannadigas in private sector companies, industries, and enterprises is still in the preparation stage. A comprehensive discussion will be held in the next cabinet meeting to make a final decision.”
The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about regional job reservations and their impact on workforce mobility and equality.
