Bengaluru: It may have started as an attempt to stop imposition of Hindi, but the movement for the cause of Kannadigas may have another casualty now – the jobs of non-Kannadigas who have been hired to work for the Bengaluru Metro.
The Kannada Development Authority (KDA), after an inspection of Metro facilities and records last week, questioned the appointment of non-Kannadigas as cleaners and security staff at Namma Metro.
“There are a large number of support staff – employed in cleaning and security work – who are from outside the State. This is a violation of the Sarojini Mahishi report that 100 per cent Group C and D jobs should be reserved for Kannadigas in any government agency,” said the KDA’s report to the government.
KDA chairman S G Siddaramaiah didn’t stop with just questioning that – he also questioned the appointment of seven chief engineers from outside the state. “When this State boasts of a huge number of engineering colleges which churn out a large number of engineers, why should the Metro depute these engineers? Let them be removed from these posts,” he said.
These, however, are group A jobs, and require particular skill sets. Many of them are deputed from other government departments like the Railways.
KDA officials, who refused to come on record, however said if it was necessary the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) could insist on retaining them.
“We have merely given recommendations to the government. If there is a justification for these appointments, the BMRCL can convey that to the government. The government can then take a call,” an official said.
Officials also said the group C and D employees could be given an opportunity to learn Kannada within a specific time-limit , since it would be inhuman to summarily dismiss them.
There was outrage when the report went public with activists of many pro-Kannada fringe group demonstrating for the removal of these employees and BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola assuring them it would be considered.
The earlier demand to stop use of Hindi in the city commuter rail is also under consideration with the government now looking at the language policy being followed by metros in other cities.
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