Pro-Kannada Organization calling for Karnataka Bandh Today- One AP State Bus Stoned near Adyar
Mangaluru: Pro-Kannada organisations have called for Karnataka bandh today, 13 February 2020, but sources reveal that traffic disruptions likely. The organisations are demanding the implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommends a certain percentage of job quota for Kannadigas in public sector undertakings, private companies, and multinational companies. The report was submitted in 1984 but is yet to be implemented. Meanwhile, the bandh may affect transport services across the city since the Ola, Uber Drivers and Owners Association has extended supported to the bandh.
Only one incident has been reported so far in DK, where the window of a Andhra Pradesh State Transport Bus bearing registration No AP 23 TA 0827 was smashed in a stone throwing incident near Adyar, in the outskirts of Mangaluru. One of the driver of the bus speaking to media persons near Dr Ambedkar Circle/Jyothi Circle in the City said, “While we were plying on the highway near Adyar, all of a sudden the window right behind the driver seat got hit by a stone. The person who threw the stone might have aimed it at the driver, but missed in doing so. Luckily there was no passenger behind the driver. Glass pieces were scattered on the seat and on the floor. Luckily none of us were injured. We had no idea what was the motive behind this”.
As of 8 am this morning, there has been no positive response to Karnataka Bandh, as private and service buses were operating, even auto-rickshaws, taxis were seen on the road. But with this incident of stone throwing on AP state Bus, chances are that buses and other transport vehicles may stop operating later. But as of now life looks normal, schools and colleges are functioning as usual. Market and shops are open for business.
City Private and Service Buses Operating as usual this morning
In the meantime, All College Students Union Dakshina Kannada has pledged its support to Karnataka Bandh, and speaking to media the state General Secretary of the Union, Batish Alakemajalu said, “Because of this reservation system which provides reserved jobs for Kannadigas in Public sector Undertakings, Private Companies and Multinational companies, thousands of DK students are moving out of state seeking jobs. Local candidates are not given first preference, hence through this protest we urge the govt as well as companies to consider local candidates. We will intensify our agitation until our demands are met. We look forward for all colleges to close on Thursday and it is a mutual decision to support a good cause”.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) staff and workers associations have not yet decided on extending their support to the bandh. Other organisations who have extended their support include the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), and the lorry owners association.
It is learnt that the Ramakrishna Hegde government had appointed Sarojini Mahishi, a four-time Member of Parliament and senior Janatha party leader, to head the committee in 1983. The panel had recommended job quota for Kannadigas in public sector undertakings, private firms and multinational companies. It submitted an interim report in June 1984 and a final report in December 1986 with 58 recommendations, of which the Karnataka government had accepted 45. The recommendations included 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in all state government establishments and Public Sector Units, 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in group ‘C’ and group ‘D’ jobs in central government departments, and PSUs operating in Karnataka.
It also recommended a minimum of 80 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in Group ‘B’ jobs and 65 per cent in Group ‘A’ jobs in central government units and PSUs in the state. It said officers in all industrial units in the state should invariably be Kannadiga, and all jobs in the private sector were reserved for Kannadigas barring, if necessary, senior/skilled positions.