Bengaluru techie to launch job referral app that prioritises Kannada-speaking candidates

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Techie Nithin M. says there is no politics behind the app except the aim to give first preference to Kannadigas in job interviews. | Image for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: HOWTOGOTO

Following a recent video in which a woman claimed that IT companies in Bengaluru were not shortlisting Kannada-speaking candidates for jobs, Nithin N., a Bengaluru-based full-stack engineer, plans to launch a mobile application and a dedicated website called ‘Kannada Referral’ on Sunday (November 1). The platform aims to connect job seekers with employment opportunities in both IT and non-IT sectors across the city.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Nithin said, “Even before the woman posted the video, I had posted a video on my instagram page ‘NJ Kannadiga’. I mentioned that Kannada-speaking people as well as those from other cities in Karnataka are not shortlisted for job interviews in IT firms in Bengaluru.”

He noted that job aspirants should not only complain but come up with a solution to the problem. Therefore, he decided to launch Kannada Referral.

He said, “Through the Kannada Referral app, other Kannadigas who are already working in IT firms or non-IT firms can post the details of a particular job profile or vacancies in the companies. They can provide reference to freshers and experienced candidates who apply for jobs and are Kannadigas. I am trying to add a feature in the app to recognise if the candidate is Kannadiga or non-Kannadiga. With this, we will able to give first preference to Kannada-speaking candidates.”

After Nithin posted on social media about building a Kannada Referral Community, more than 2,000 people have joined.

“I will be hosting a community meet-up on Sunday, the same day of the app launch. It will help me get more suggestions, understand the current job scenario better and make more additions to the mobile app and website,” he said, adding, “I plan to add a feature called Company Circle in this app, so that details of Kannadigas from across all the companies can be listed on the app.”

While clarifying that there is no politics involved in it, he said, “I want to make it clear to the audience that there is no politics behind it except giving first preference to Kannadigas in job interviews, especially to highly-skilled persons.”

Mr. Nithin shared his thoughts on the current scenario, saying, “There is no fault of founders of companies. They want to choose skilled candidates as they want their firms to earn good profits. However, it is the Human Resource department or senior designated officials who interview candidates and favour people who speak the same language as them or come from their respective States. In most cases, freshers who are Kannadigas are not in the list of shortlisted candidates, and Kannadigas who are already employed are not given promotions by their higher-ups.”

Around 500 people are expected at the community meet up. He said, “Going forward, more features will be added to this application as we understand the needs of candidates.”

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