Daijiworld MEdia Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 29: The public is urging that the state government has to form a supplementary Act in order to provide employment to locals in Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) including Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).

There is widespread accusation that the locals have not got opportunity in the recent recruitment that was done at the MRPL. There is no provision in the present law to provide any solution to stress on local employment or set right the accusation of discrimination in PSUs.

MRPL (file photo)

There are many companies who have acquired thousands of acres of land in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. There is accusation that these companies cite the excuse of rule in the matter of providing employment for locals. In the recent recruitment drive that was held at MRPL only 13 people from Karnataka are selected out of the 184 positions. And, according to the news circulating on the social media, out of the 13, only three are from coastal districts.

Though there is an unwritten rule that at least 70 to 80 percent of employment should be provided to Kannadigas in PSUs that are functioning in the state, it cannot be strictly implemented or demanded as there is no law made in this regard.

Kannada Development Authority has written a letter to MRPL objecting the non-preferential treatment of Kannadigas in the recruitment. It has also urged to withhold the current recruitment as per the information provided by T S Nagabharana, president of Kannada Development Authority.

The administration board of MRPL says that many matters are proposed by the MP and district in charge minister with regards to the recent recruitment drive that is held in the company. So the same is being investigated through chief discretionary officer.

The administrative board of MRPL says, “MRPL has contributed a lot to the development of Karnataka. In the non-administrative section of the company more than 90% and in total 70% of employees of the complex of company are from Karnataka. In the second grade work force, more than 80% are from Karnataka. In addition, locals are given preference in traders, suppliers, contractors and advisors of the company. The company is also giving local aid in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Further, a press release from MRPL has already clarified that their recruitment process shall be binding to existing laws as per DPE of the central government.

District in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary says, “Instructions are given to withhold the recruitment that is done recently in MRPL. In the cabinet meeting that was held last year it was decided to offer 75% of employment to locals. After knowing whether an act is passed in this regard and also after knowing the decision of the state government action will be taken in the next two days.”