BMRCL to revise recruitment qualifications for loco pilots after Kannada groups raise objection

BENGALURU: A controversy has erupted over the recruitment of loco pilots by Namma Metro, with allegations that Kannadigas are being ignored. Kannada organizations have expressed their outrage against BMRCL, and Metro officials are now planning to issue a new order. The order will reportedly prioritize Kannadiga candidates for the 50 loco pilot positions, with a new announcement expected within two days.

Earlier, the eligibility criteria BMRCL had sought included three years of experience in operating a Metro train, which is not available in Karnataka. This rule was seen as discriminatory, and Kannada organisations protested. The HR department of BMRCL was accused of having officials from Andhra Pradesh and Chennai who allegedly ensured that Kannada candidates were not selected.

Kannada groups and the BMRCL employees’ union had protested, claiming that the eligibility criteria, which required three years of experience operating trains, was designed to exclude Karnataka candidates. The BMRCL had made rules that effectively barred Karnataka candidates from applying, they said.

Following widespread protests and opposition, Metro officials have decided to issue a new order. The new criteria are yet to be announced, and it remains to be seen what changes will be made.

Maheshwar Rao, managing director of BMRCL, said, “I think there is some misunderstanding in the notification. The BMRCL requires loco pilots and there are trained pilots are working in other states. We are trying to bring them back to work here. If we started hiring, most of the people would come to work in Namma Metro. With that point of view, we issued the order. We hope that Kannadigas are working in the others states or have experience as loco pilots will apply, and we will definitely give them opportunity. It is also a temporary post. If there is a need to amend in notification, we will definitely consider it”.