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Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
12-hour work shift in IT? Karnataka govt faces backlash over proposal
The Karnataka government's proposal to amend existing labour laws and extend working hours in the IT, ITeS, and BPO sectors to 12 hours a day has triggered widespread criticism from employee unions and ignited debate across social media. In a meeting held on Wednesday by the state's Labour Department with industry stakeholders and trade unions, it was suggested that the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act be amended to permit a longer workday. At present, the Act limits work to a maximum of 10 hours per day, including overtime. The Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union (KITU) strongly opposed the proposal, describing it as a "form of modern-day slavery" and accusing the government of prioritising corporate profits over workers' rights. The union warned that enabling 12-hour shifts could lead to a two-shift system replacing the current three-shift system, potentially rendering one-third of the workforce redundant. 'This amendment will normalise inhuman conditions. It's not about productivity, it's about appeasing corporate bosses by turning workers into machines,' said KITU leader Suhas Adiga to news agency PTI after attending the meeting alongside fellow unionist Lenil Babu. KITU argued that such a move would erode work-life balance, worsen mental health issues, and further entrench job insecurity in the IT sector. Citing the State Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024, the union highlighted that 90 per cent of corporate employees under the age of 25 already suffer from anxiety. The union also pointed to global trends, noting that many countries are now recognising the negative effects of extended work hours and are enacting laws to establish the "right to disconnect" as a fundamental employee right. Narayan Murthy hours: Internet trolls 12-hour workday proposal As news of the government's proposal spread, social media erupted with memes and commentary. Many memes and jokes involved Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who last year controversially advocated for a 70-hour workweek and criticised the concept of work-life balance. One user dubbed the proposed 12-hour shifts as "Narayana Murthy hours", another wrote, 'Narayana Murthy laughing in the corner after hearing that the Karnataka government plans to increase work hours to 12 hours per day for IT workers'. During the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit last year, Murthy had argued that as a developing country, India cannot afford the luxury of reduced working hours. He said that hard work and dedication were essential to achieve economic growth, remarking, 'We first have to get a life, then we can worry about work-life balance'. Despite the uproar, the Karnataka government has not issued an official clarification on the proposed changes or whether they will move forward with the legislative amendment. Meanwhile, KITU has called for collective resistance from all employees in the sector.
News18
12 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Narayana Murthy Trends After Karnataka's 12-Hour Workday Proposal, Here's Why
Last Updated: Karnataka government recently proposed 12-hour workdays for IT employees prompting an outrage among the working class. Former Infosys CEO Narayana Murthy seems to be unable to catch a break, and perhaps he doesn't mind it either. Murthy found several mentions on the social media platform 'X' once again when the topic of extending the work hours came to light. For the uninitiated, the Karnataka government recently proposed to increase the daily working hours from nine to ten in the state and allow up to 12 hours of work a day. Karnataka State IT/ ITes Employees Union (KITU) strongly opposed the idea of increasing the work hours and urged the working class to raise their voice. KITU noted that the extension of working hours would lead to a two-shift system, resulting in the unemployment of one third of the workforce. 'This amendment will allow the companies to go for a two shift system instead of the currently existing three shift system and one third of the workforce will be thrown out from their employment," KITU, in a press release, stated. KITU additionally stressed on the health impact of extended working hours on the IT employee. Narayana Murthy Arrives The buzzing news of a possible 12-hour working day for IT employees in Karnataka reminded many of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy. Karnataka Govt proposes 12 hr workdays for IT employees. Meanwhile Narayana Murthy Sir.. — Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) June 18, 2025 Murthy has, over the years, been in support of working extended hours. The businessman does not believe in the work-life balance either. At the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit last year, Murthy said, 'About 25 years ago, KV Kamath at an event was asked about his opinion on work-life balance. He said that India is a poor country with a lot of challenges. We first have to get a life, then we can worry about work-life balance." KV Kamath is the Chairman of the board of directors of Jio Financial Services. Murthy also asserted that his stance on the 70-hour workweek was unmovable. 'Prime Minister Modi probably works 100 hours a week. When his cabinet ministers are working very hard, when his bureaucrats are all working very hard, the only way we can show our appreciation for all these wonderful things that are happening is by our work." 'I am sorry. I haven't changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave. I am very proud of having worked very hard… I worked fourteen hours a day and 6.5 days a week till I retired," he added further. Social Media Reactions Reacting strongly to the news, social media users wondered if the 12-hour workday proposal came into effect, it could lead to adverse effects on individuals and impact their wellbeing. 'If this is the direction we're heading, don't be surprised when India's brightest minds start leaving not because they want luxury, but because they want basic quality of life. 12-hour shifts + 4 hours in Bangalore traffic = 16 hours gone. What's left for rest, family, or health?" a user on 'X' responded to the news. '12 hour work + 4 hours of traffic coming and going back. Why not ask the employees to sleep in the office itself for the remaining 8 hours," wrote another user. 'Total 24 hours 12 hours in office 4 hours in traffic 6 hours sleep 2 hours, food, bath You must work like slave." Notably, the proposal hasn't been finalised yet. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
