Karnataka’s 14-hour workday proposal sparks IT sector backlash
BENGALURU, INDIA — Bengaluru’s tech hub faces potential upheaval as the Karnataka government considers amending the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act to extend daily work hours from 10 to 14.
This proposal has sparked widespread concern among IT professionals and industry leaders, who fear detrimental effects on employee well-being and productivity.
Industry bodies and unions voice strong opposition
IT sector unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), have publicly protested the proposal, describing it as ‘inhuman’ with severe implications for the two million workers in the state.
KITU’s general secretary, Suhas Adiga, highlighted studies showing the health impacts of extended working hours, noting that 45% of employees in the IT sector already face mental health issues, with 55% experiencing physical health problems. Increasing work hours would exacerbate these issues, he warned.
Industry body Nasscom has also distanced itself from the proposal. Ashish Aggarwal, vice-president & head of Public Policy at Nasscom, clarified, “As Nasscom, we have not requested a 14-hour workday limit or a 70-hour work week. We fully support the 48-hour work week, which is the standard across the country.”
Neeti Sharma, CEO of Teamlease, stated, “Working 14 hours will not guarantee higher productivity but will lead to burnout in the long run.”
She also highlighted the potential negative impact on women in the workforce and the likelihood of employees seeking jobs in states with more flexible work hours.
A customer success manager in Bengaluru echoed these concerns, emphasizing the strain on physical and mental health and the potential rise in attrition rates among top talent if the amendments are enacted.
Another software developer stressed that extended work hours could lead to higher health insurance premiums and more frequent health-related payouts.
Government’s stance and clarifications
Officials from the IT department, speaking anonymously, attempted to allay fears by explaining that the 14-hour workday would not apply universally.
“The 14-hour workday will not apply to all IT companies, but only to a few verticals. These companies will have to apply for the new work hours and only after all the checks, will they be granted permission,” they stated.
The government also emphasized that employees would need to provide consent and would be compensated for extra hours worked.
