Karnataka implements reservation in outsourced govt jobs

Team Udayavani, May 21, 2024, 9:51 AM IST

Bengaluru: For the first time, the Karnataka government has implemented reservation policy in outsourced government contract jobs. A circular issued on Monday mandates reservation to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes, and women in outsourced jobs of the government.

This decision was made during a cabinet meeting in December 2023. The government said it aims to ensure social justice and equal employment opportunities. The new rules apply to outsourced posts like vehicle drivers, data entry operators, cleaning staff, and Group D employees in state government offices.

The circular specifies that these rules cover all government departments, autonomous bodies, corporations, boards, and universities.

Typically, reservation is given when the government hires staff directly. Recently, the government has been outsourcing recruitment for posts like Group D, cleaning staff, vehicle drivers, and data entry operators. Until now, reservations did not apply to these outsourced positions.

How will it affect the outsourced positions:

The implementation of reservation in outsourcing will reduce discretionary recruitment. It will increase job opportunities for people from different sections of society. The goal is to promote social justice and equal employment.

Conditions: 

According to the circular of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms:

• Reservation does not apply to recruitment under outsourcing for less than 45 days.
• The reservation rule is applicable only if at least 20 candidates are recruited in any department on an outsourcing basis.
• Outsourcing agencies must include the reservation condition when inviting tenders.
• There must be a minimum percentage of reservation for SC, ST, and Backward Classes, with 33% of the recruits being women.
• If an employee resigns, the vacancy must be filled by a person from the same reservation category.
• The minimum age for recruitment is 18 years and the maximum age is 60 years.
• These employees cannot be made permanent under any circumstances.