Development with Belonging

Context: Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 displays the features of an ideal law for the reservation of jobs for people in a state.

Arguments favouring reservation of jobs for people in a state: with reference to the state of Haryana

• Economic benefits: It will boost the state’s economy and create jobs.
  • Land acquisition for urbanization and industrialization has left little opportunities in agriculture.
  • Though skilled labour was available locally, there weren’t enough jobs in the private sector.
• Benefits employers:
  • Improved efficiency: due to access to qualified local workforce resulting in reduced absenteeism.
  • Financial benefits: E.g. An incentive of Rs 48,000 per person per year is being provided to employers who hire people under the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy, 2020.
    • Incentives are also given to set up industries in the interior blocks of the state.
• Societal benefits: Reduce crime rates as the dependency on migrant labours will be reduced;
  • Immediate society has the paramount right over its resources: According to news reports, a mere 25 % of people living in Gurugram have their votes registered in the city.
• Previous examples: Several states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra, too, have similar policies that ensure that their youth is gainfully employed.
• Exemplifies the features of an ideal law:
  • Ensure unity of people in the state: The law should not deprive anyone of the opportunity of employment on the basis of their caste, creed, sex, language and social status.
  • In accordance with the constitution of India: E.g. “domicile-based benefit” can be provided (as it was upheld by Supreme Court in various judgements), but reservation shall not be based on “place of birth” or “place of residence” (so as to ensure the laws do not violate Article 21).
  • Temporary nature: E.g. In Haryana, the law will cease after ten years when the state will have sufficient infrastructure, skilled manpower and job opportunities for everyone. (Sunset clause)
  • Flexible: Relief shall be provided in some cases to ensure that people with suitable skillset are hired to positions that require it. (right to restrict hiring from one district to 10%.).
  • Ensures the welfare of the citizens: As a socialistic measure and a vision of welfare, it is a measure for ensuring the social and economic security of the citizens of the state.