Bengaluru: The controversy over employment opportunities for Kannadigas at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has gained attention after the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) held a meeting with airport management and representatives of 13 other companies, demanding greater opportunities for local candidates.
KRV president T.A. Narayana Gowda led the initiative, raising concerns over allegations that non-Kannadigas were receiving preference in recruitment while qualified candidates from Karnataka were being overlooked.
Representatives of 14 organisations, including Kempegowda International Airport Ltd (KIAL), Menzies Aviation, DHL Express, Air India SATS, Blue Dart, WFS and TajSATS, participated in the discussions.
According to KRV, the meeting was cordial and constructive, with company representatives acknowledging the demand for increased local employment. The participating companies reportedly assured the organisation that they would work towards doubling the number of local employees over the next year.
KRV said the companies had also invited its representatives to revisit the airport after one year to review progress on their commitments.
The meeting is part of KRV’s broader campaign seeking fair employment opportunities for Kannadigas in Karnataka’s private sector. The organisation has reportedly engaged with more than 350 companies across the state.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged private employers to utilise the state’s local talent pool while cautioning pro-Kannada organisations against intimidation or taking the law into their own hands.
The issue has reignited debate over local employment, recruitment transparency and opportunities for Karnataka’s youth in major private-sector establishments.
