📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Jobs & Career
Minister DK Shivakumar Cautions Bengaluru IT Firms After Kannada Job Video Goes Viral
✍️ NDTV
🗓 26 Oct 2026, 04:38 AM
👁 11
A video claiming that Bengaluru IT firms do not hire Kannada speakers has gone viral, prompting Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar to warn the sector against language discrimination.
A short video circulating on social media alleges that major IT companies in Bengaluru are refusing to employ candidates who speak Kannada, suggesting a systemic bias against the state language. The clip, which quickly amassed thousands of views, sparked heated comments online and raised concerns among local job seekers.
Karnataka’s Minister for IT and Industries, DK Shivakumar, responded on the same day, stating that any form of linguistic discrimination is unacceptable. He warned IT firms operating in the city that they must adhere to the state’s language policy and ensure equal opportunity for Kannada-speaking applicants, reminding them of the legal ramifications of non‑compliance.
Industry representatives, while not commenting on the specific video, emphasized their commitment to merit‑based hiring and noted that most multinational firms already have inclusive recruitment practices. The minister’s remarks have prompted several companies to reaffirm their hiring guidelines and to monitor internal processes for potential bias.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions between Karnataka’s push to promote Kannada in the workplace and the global nature of its tech sector. Authorities have indicated that they will monitor the situation closely and take action if any firm is found violating language‑inclusion norms.
Karnataka’s Minister for IT and Industries, DK Shivakumar, responded on the same day, stating that any form of linguistic discrimination is unacceptable. He warned IT firms operating in the city that they must adhere to the state’s language policy and ensure equal opportunity for Kannada-speaking applicants, reminding them of the legal ramifications of non‑compliance.
Industry representatives, while not commenting on the specific video, emphasized their commitment to merit‑based hiring and noted that most multinational firms already have inclusive recruitment practices. The minister’s remarks have prompted several companies to reaffirm their hiring guidelines and to monitor internal processes for potential bias.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions between Karnataka’s push to promote Kannada in the workplace and the global nature of its tech sector. Authorities have indicated that they will monitor the situation closely and take action if any firm is found violating language‑inclusion norms.