India Debates Over Proposed 70-Hour Workweek Amid Claims of Illegality and Worker Health Concerns

Industry Leaders Support Increase in Weekly Working Hours as Path to Economic Advantage, Despite Widespread Backlash and Health Concerns Highlighted by Unions and International Labour Organization.

• Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked controversy by suggesting young people in India should work 70 hours a week to boost the country's economy. Despite criticism, some industry leaders agreed that such measures could be needed for India to compete globally.
• Currently, Indians work an average of 47.7 hours a week, which is higher than hours worked by workers in the U.S., UK, Germany, China, Singapore, and Japan. Some Indians are already working between 55 and 60 hours a week, particularly those working with global clients.
• The All India IT and ITeS Employees Union argued that a 70-hour workweek is illegal, stating that employees should not be obligated to work more than 48 hours a week. The union stressed on the need for reducing working hours to improve productivity and allow for creativity and leisure time.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) echoed the union's stand, pointing to the negative effects of long working hours, such as increased risk of disease, chronic infections, and mental illnesses.
• While many industry leaders favor flexible working hours and conditions to improve productivity, the proposal could increase gender inequality in the workplace by disadvantaging women. The labor force participation rate for women in India was 32.8% in 2021-2022. Providing more flexibility to working mothers could boost this figure, as suggested by human resources expert Vivek Mudaliar.

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