At the inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital’s podcast, The Record, NR Narayana Murthy ignited a debate with his call for Indian youths to work 70 hours a week to compete on a global scale.
“India’s work productivity is one of the lowest in the world. Therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country, I want to work 70 hours a week’,” he said.
Indians rank the most overworked individuals globally. As per a 2021 report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the minimum wage is the lowest worldwide.
Raghul Baskar, a joint secretary at the Bank of Baroda employees' union, talking about the Factories Act of 1948, highlights the stagnation of worker-centric policies and regulations.
In the IT Workforce most don’t have a safety net. Their focus lies on Job security and working beyond conventional 12 hours a day, especially when it is demanded, contended Alagunambi Welkin.
Murthy’s assertion that long work hours are essential for India’s growth raises questions about how these expectations affect segments of the population, especially women.
The pursuit of increased productivity need not rely extended work hours, according to Aafreen Fathima SK. She advocates for workshops and efficient software solutions to help.
It remains vital to contemplate the reduction of work hours. There’s also the need for democratisation of the workplace to prevent employees from feeling like bonded labourers.