Bengaluru, 5 November

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged private companies to prioritise local talent during recruitment without compromising on merit and assured them full government support against interference.

Speaking at a CSR-related event here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said firms looking to hire can approach the government which will act as a facilitator.

"Once again, I request you to give importance to candidates from Karnataka. Otherwise, a lot of issues have been cropping up, but still, we will protect you," he said. 

Shivakumar reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting them, and said it was their responsibility to ensure that local candidates were given priority.

While clarifying that the State government would not meddle in the skill criteria, the CM stressed that companies must give importance to local candidates. 

His remarks come amid a campaign by Kannada activist TA Narayana Gowda-led Karnataka Rakshana Vedike to assess employment opportunities for Kannadigas in private companies. The campaign, involving teams visiting companies to collect recruitment data, would not be withdrawn despite pressure from the government, he said.

However, Shivakumar has disavowed the campaign.