The Karnataka government is currently facing significant backlash over a controversial proposal to extend the working hours for tech professionals to 14 hours per day and 70 hours per week. This proposal, which seeks to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, has been met with strong opposition from employees and trade unions in the IT sector. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has labeled the move as “inhuman” and is urging a reconsideration of the proposed changes.

The 14-Hour Working Day Proposal and Its Implications

The proposed amendment would allow employees in the IT, IT-enabled services (ITeS), and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors to work beyond the current 12-hour daily limit, with a maximum of 125 hours in any three-month period. This change would be a substantial shift from the existing law, which permits a maximum of 10 hours per day, including overtime. The intent behind the amendment is to provide more flexibility for industries operating in Karnataka’s bustling IT hub, particularly Bengaluru.

14-hour working
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However, critics argue that the introduction of a 14-hour working day could lead to significant negative consequences. Employee and trade unions have voiced concerns about how such extended work hours might disrupt work-life balance, exacerbate health issues, and place undue strain on the workforce. Prolonged working hours have been linked to various health risks, including mental health problems and cardiovascular diseases.

Health Risks Associated with 14-Hour Working Days

The KITU has highlighted the potential health impacts of the proposed 14-hour working day. Studies have shown that a significant portion of IT sector employees already suffer from mental health issues such as depression, with about 45% reporting such conditions. Additionally, 55% of employees experience physical health problems due to their current work schedules. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have both issued warnings about the health risks associated with increased working hours. According to their joint report, extended working hours correlate with a 35% higher risk of death from stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease.

The proposed 14-hour working day could potentially exacerbate these health issues, leading to increased stress and physical strain. Unions argue that maintaining a more balanced approach to work hours is crucial for ensuring the well-being of employees and sustaining long-term productivity.

Union Opposition and Call for Reconsideration

In response to the proposed changes, the unions have called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reconsider the amendment. They view the proposal as an “open challenge” to the 20 lakh (2 million) employees in the IT and ITeS sectors in Karnataka. The unions have mobilized to resist what they perceive as an “inhuman attempt to impose slavery,” emphasizing that such extended working hours could undermine both employee health and productivity.

The proposal has emerged at a time when there is growing awareness among younger workers about the negative effects of excessive working hours. The Covid pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hybrid work and work-from-home models, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. This shift in perspective underscores the need for policies that support a healthy work environment rather than imposing longer hours that could negatively impact employees.

Broader Debate on Work Hours and Productivity

The debate over the 14-hour working day proposal also ties into a broader discussion about work hours in the Indian tech sector and private industry. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s comment about 14-hour working per day for six days a week has sparked discussion on the balance between productivity and work hours. While Murthy later clarified that he was emphasizing productivity rather than advocating for excessively long workdays, his statement has contributed to the ongoing debate.

Former Infosys board member TV Mohandas Pai, known for his vocal opposition to the private sector quota bill, has expressed similar views. Pai has emphasized that during the early years of one’s career, putting in 12-14 hours a day can be essential for making a significant impact. While he acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, Pai also stresses that productivity remains crucial for job security and career advancement.

State Labor Minister Santosh Lad has indicated that the proposal is still under discussion. He acknowledged that a proposal to extend to 14-hour working has been put forth, but emphasized that deliberations are ongoing.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Karnataka government will proceed with the proposed amendment or opt for a different approach that better balances the needs of both employees and industry.

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