Mysore/Mysuru: Activists of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation, staged a protest in the city on Monday, demanding compulsory jobs for Kannadigas in the State through the formulation and implementation of necessary legislation.

The Vedike activists assembled near the new DC Office in Siddarthanagar to stage their protest. “Kannadigas are supreme in Karnataka. However, jobs meant for Kannadigas are being given to people who speak other languages. Many people from other countries are migrating to Karnataka and settling in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and others. As a result, Kannadigas are not getting jobs. Therefore, the State Government must formulate and implement laws to protect the interests of Kannadigas,” demanded the protestors.

Stating that Kannadigas have been fighting for their rights in Karnataka for decades, the protestors noted that the Dr. Sarojini Mahishi Report is still not implemented.

Private organisations are appointing people from other States, violating State Government rules. Despite the State Labour Department amending rules in 2019 and directing organisations to appoint Kannadigas, the rules have not been properly implemented.

The Government must show the will to ensure justice for the local people under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946 and provide reservations for Kannadigas in employment, urged the protestors.

They also demanded that C and D-category jobs in all private firms be reserved for Kannadigas and that 80 percent of other jobs be reserved for Kannadigas. The rule that considers outsiders residing in Karnataka for more than 15 years as Kannadigas must be changed and those who pass Kannada writing tests should be considered Kannadigas.

The protestors said that the Kannada Development Authority must be given the power to ensure the implementation of Government policies in this regard.