PhonePe CEO Issues Apology After Criticism Over Karnataka Job Reservation Bill
Sameer Nigam – CEO At PhonePe
PhonePe CEO Sameer Nigam has issued an unconditional apology on X following backlash over his critical remarks on Karnataka’s job reservation bill, which led to the trending hashtag #uninstallPhonepe.
In his apology, Nigam stated, “I want to clarify that it was NEVER my intention to insult Karnataka or its people. If my comments have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I am truly sorry and offer my unconditional apology.”
The Karnataka government’s proposed amendment to the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, aims to introduce job reservations for local Kannadigas in the private sector. According to the bill, 50% of candidates in management positions and 70% in non-management roles must be from Karnataka. Additionally, candidates who did not study Kannada in secondary school would need to pass a Kannada language proficiency test.
Nigam had previously expressed frustration on X, stating that despite creating thousands of jobs across India, he feared his children might struggle to find employment in Karnataka due to the bill. His post read, “I am 46 years old. My father worked in the Indian Navy and was posted all over the country. My kids don’t deserve jobs in Karnataka? I’ve built companies and created over 25,000 jobs. My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city? Shame.”
His remarks were met with significant backlash, with many in Karnataka criticizing Nigam’s comments and calling for a boycott of PhonePe.
One user responded, “The numbers speak for themselves. Don’t label Kannadigas as toxic. If we were, so many people wouldn’t have made it their home! Respect local language and culture. That’s not too much to ask. #Kannada”
Nigam acknowledged that his comments were made in frustration after reading certain media articles and now believes companies should hire based on technology skills and field proficiency, rather than local preferences.