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Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Narayana Murthy must be dancing': Karnataka's 12-hour workday proposal triggers meme fest
A Karnataka government proposal to increase daily work hours and overtime limits has sparked a wave of online reactions, many of them invoking Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who last year stirred debate by calling for a 70-hour workweek for Indian youth. The state is reportedly considering amendments to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, and the corresponding Rules of 1963, that would push the upper limit on daily working hours from 9 to 10, and allow overtime up to 12 hours in a day. The proposed revisions would also raise the three-month cap on overtime work from 50 hours to 144 hours. While the move is being seen as part of a broader effort to 'ease business operations' in the IT and service sectors, it has drawn sharp criticism from worker unions and civil society groups. (Also Read: Karnataka government proposes 10-hour workdays, higher overtime cap: Report) Online, however, the reactions took a different turn, poking fun at Murthy's earlier controversial remarks. "Narayana Murthy's long-cherished dream has finally come true," quipped one user on X, referencing the Infosys co-founder's earlier pitch for a 70-hour workweek that had triggered national debate. Another user wrote, 'Karnataka should just call them Narayana Murthy Hours,' poking fun at the state's proposal to stretch workdays and overtime limits. A third chimed in, 'He must've been on the board that proposed this,' before clarifying that it was only a joke. Social media platforms were soon flooded with memes, GIFs, and sarcastic posts, including one that read, 'Narayana Murthy side mein naach raha he (Murthy must be dancing on the sidelines),' summing up the online mood. The draft proposal, if passed, would make Karnataka one of the few states to legally allow such an increase in permissible work hours, a move that may have serious implications for labour rights, mental health, and work-life balance in a sector already known for high stress. (Also Read: 'Modern-day slavery': Karnataka trade unions condemn proposal to extend workday to 12 hours)
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka government proposes 10-hour workdays, higher overtime cap: Report
The Karnataka government is considering a sweeping reform of labour laws that could extend the state's maximum workday to 10 hours and significantly increase the cap on overtime, moves that are raising eyebrows among worker unions and policy experts alike, Deccan Herald reported. According to the draft proposals, the state aims to amend both the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, and the corresponding Rules of 1963, the report further added. (Also Read: DK Shivakumar appeals for calm after SC order on Thug Life: 'Don't take law into your hands') Currently, the law limits daily work hours to nine and restricts overtime to 10 hours in total. But under the proposed revisions, the daily work limit would rise to 10 hours, with overtime extending up to 12 hours per day. More strikingly, the three-month overtime cap could increase from 50 to 144 hours. More strikingly, the three-month overtime ceiling could be increased from 50 to 144 hours. The Labour Department has justified the changes by citing directives from the central government encouraging states to align with the national model labour codes. Officials also argued that several state, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, have already adopted similar provisions, setting a precedent for Karnataka to follow suit. In addition to altering work hours, the state is also looking to ease regulatory requirements for smaller establishments. Amendments to Rule 24 of the 1963 Rules would exempt businesses with fewer than 10 employees from maintaining records, registers, and other compliance documentation typically required during labour inspections. This, too, is being attributed to central guidance, which recommends exempting units with under 20 employees. Industry groups have welcomed the proposal. MG Balakrishna, president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI), hailed the reforms as both business-friendly and reflective of a younger, more dynamic workforce. "Longer hours can drive productivity, which is critical for staying competitive globally," he said. He also stressed that easing compliance norms for micro-establishments would help prevent bureaucratic harassment. However, the move has sparked strong opposition from labour unions. Maitreyi Krishnan, state general secretary of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), called the proposals 'unconstitutional' and accused the government of turning its back on the Directive Principles of State Policy. 'It's ironic that Karnataka is using states like Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh as benchmarks,' Krishnan said. 'These are the very states whose workers are migrating to Karnataka in search of better conditions. If we follow their lead, we risk driving our own workforce away.' The Labour Department is scheduled to hold consultations with stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and union representatives, on Wednesday to deliberate on the proposed changes and possibly finalise the draft. (Also Read: In mysterious discovery, human skull, bones found near Bengaluru apartment complex)
