Representational image | Photo Credit: PTI

Key Highlights The 6 am-to-6 pm Karnataka bandh is likely to impact life in Bengaluru as well It is yet to be seen whether the KSRTC staff and workers associations will back the bandh There is no word on whether schools, colleges and hospitals across Karnataka will stay closed tomorrow

Bengaluru: Karnataka Sanghatanegala Okkoota, a congregation of various pro-Kannada organisations, will tomorrow (i.e. on Thursday, 13 February 2020) observe a bandh in the state, demanding a major share in the reservation of jobs for Kannadigas in both government and private sectors.

The 6 am-to-6 pm Karnataka bandh is likely to impact life in Bengaluru as well, as an association of Ola and Uber drivers has also extended support.

In Bengaluru, some other drivers’ associations, including Jai Bharatha Vehicle Owners and Drivers Association and Adarsha Auto and Taxi Union have also supported the bandh.

It is yet to be seen whether the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) staff and workers associations will back the bandh.

However, there are other organisations, like the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and Lorry Owners Association, which have supported the Feb 13 bandh.

There is no word on whether schools, colleges and hospitals across Karnataka will stay closed tomorrow in view of the bandh.

Karnataka bandh on Thursday: What is the reason?

The organisations, which have called for strike tomorrow, want the government to implement the Sarojini Mahishi report.

The Sarojini Mahishi report suggests that Kannadigas should get a certain percentage of jobs in private companies, public sector undertakings, and multinational companies. Albeit the report was submitted in the year 1984, it is yet to be implemented.

It is to be noted that Sarojini Mahishi, a four-time MP and Janatha party leader, was appointed by the Ramakrishna Hegde government to head the panel in 1983.

The committee submitted an interim report in June 1984. However, a final report was tabled in December 1986 with 58 recommendations, of which the Karnataka government had accepted 45.

Some of the recommendations mentioned in the report included 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ jobs in central government departments, and PSUs operating in Karnataka, 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.