#BoycottPhonePe Trend: PhonePe Faces Huge Backlash After CEO Sameer Nigam Criticizes Karnataka Jobs Quota

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Following CEO and co-founder Sameer Nigam’s statement opposing the Karnataka jobs quota bill, PhonePe has become the focus of a social media controversy.
Sameer Nigam Issued Apology

The digital payments platform PhonePe has found itself at the center of a social media storm after CEO and Co-Founder Sameer Nigam expressed his opposition to the proposed Karnataka jobs quota bill. The backlash was swift, with hashtags like #BoycottPhonePe and #UninstallPhonePe trending on the social media platform X

What is the Karnataka Jobs Quota Bill?

The Karnataka government’s recent proposal, the “Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,” seeks to reserve a portion of private sector jobs for local Kannadigas.

It said that any factory, industry, or other business must appoint 70% of local applicants for non-management categories and 50% of local candidates for management categories.

The bill stated that candidates would need to pass a Kannada proficiency test if they did not have secondary school diplomas with Kannada as a language.

Sameer Nigam’s Comments

Sameer Nigam took to X to criticize the bill, arguing that it unfairly disadvantages individuals who have moved across states due to their parents’ jobs. Nigam’s father served in the Indian Navy, resulting in frequent relocations during his childhood. In his post, Nigam expressed his frustration:

“I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ years. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don’t deserve jobs in Karnataka? I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city? Shame.”

#BoycottPhonePe Trend PhonePe Faces Huge Backlash

Social Media Backlash

Nigam’s remarks quickly drew criticism from pro-Kannada groups and individuals, who accused him of ignoring the needs of local job seekers. The hashtags #BoycottPhonePe and #UninstallPhonePe began trending as users expressed their dissatisfaction. One user commented:

“I always preferred @PhonePe over any other UPI apps due to its Swadeshi origin. @_sameernigam, Karnataka helped you to grow up. You came here to build your career, not to improve Bengaluru. This is the time to say goodbye to PhonePe. #UninstallPhonePe #BoycottPhonePe.”

Another user highlighted the financial significance of Karnataka to PhonePe’s operations, noting:

“Karnataka is the highest revenue generator for @PhonePe nearly 3 lakhs cr worth payment value… with 236.93 cr of transactions… Kannadigas contributes nearly 12.5% yet @_sameernigam wanted to take his chance challenging Kannadigas. here we go #uninstallphonepe #BoycottPhonePe.”

Broader Implications

The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the balance between local job reservations and national mobility. While the Karnataka government argues that the bill is essential for protecting local interests, critics, including industry groups like NASSCOM, warn that such policies could drive businesses out of the state.

Defending the bill, Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated:

“The primary objective of the bill is to create more job opportunities for locals. We must protect the interests of Kannadigas while also considering the needs of industries.”

Nigam responded to the criticism by emphasizing the inclusive nature of Karnataka and India:

“Karnataka <> only Kannada speaking people. Get it? I can work wherever I want in India. I can learn any language that I want to. The constitution of India gives me these rights. IT’S MY CHOICE. Get the hue and cry.“

PhonePe Faces Huge Backlash

Industry Reactions

The reaction from industry stakeholders has been mixed. Some companies have expressed concern that local reservation policies could make it difficult to attract top talent from across the country. NASSCOM has cautioned that companies might consider relocating if such policies are enforced.

On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that local job reservations are crucial for addressing regional disparities and ensuring that local communities benefit from economic growth.

In Short!

The #BoycottPhonePe movement underscores the complex relationship between local and national interests in India’s job market. Sameer Nigam’s comments have sparked significant backlash, but they have also highlighted broader issues surrounding job reservations and economic mobility.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Karnataka government will navigate these challenges and whether the proposed jobs quota bill will be implemented. The controversy provides a platform for a larger discussion on the balance between local employment protection and national economic unity.

What do you think about the Karnataka jobs quota bill and the reactions to Sameer Nigam’s comments? Do you believe local job reservations are necessary, or do they hinder economic mobility and business growth? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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