Sameer Nigam, CEO of PhonePe, has recently apologized for his remarks regarding a Karnataka job reservation bill. This bill, which has been paused, proposed reserving 50% of management-level jobs and 70% of non-management-level jobs for locals in Karnataka.
Nigam’s comments on the bill led to a public backlash, including a “Boycott PhonePe” campaign. In response, he issued an “unconditional apology” on social media. He clarified that his intention was never to offend Karnataka or its people. He expressed regret if his comments were perceived as hurtful and emphasized his pride in PhonePe’s origins in Bengaluru.
In his apology, Nigam highlighted PhonePe’s roots in Bengaluru and praised the city’s role as a hub for technology and cultural diversity. He stated that he was proud of the company’s connections to the city and acknowledged its reputation as the “Silicon Valley of India.”
Nigam had previously argued that the bill was unfair to individuals like himself, who have lived in various states due to his father’s career in the Indian Navy. He questioned whether his children, who grew up in Karnataka, would be denied job opportunities in their home state despite his company creating over 25,000 jobs nationwide.
In his statement, Nigam underscored Bengaluru’s importance as a thriving business environment that contributed to PhonePe’s success. He reaffirmed his commitment to diversity and meritocracy in employment, ensuring that all Indians, including locals from Karnataka, would have opportunities.
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He also discussed the competitive nature of the startup landscape in India, noting the challenge posed by global giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. To remain competitive on a global scale, Nigam stressed the need for Indian companies to employ the best talent available.
The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, proposed on July 16, has faced criticism from industry leaders and stakeholders, leading to its suspension.
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