Karnataka Proposes 14-Hour Work Days for IT Sector Amidst Growing Controversy

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In a bold and controversial move, the Karnataka state government is considering a new bill that could extend the daily working hours for IT employees to 14 hours, amounting to a 70-hour work week. The proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act was presented during a recent meeting convened by the labour department with various industry stakeholders.

In a bold and controversial move, the Karnataka state government is considering a new bill that could extend the daily working hours for IT employees to 14 hours, amounting to a 70-hour work week. The proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act was presented during a recent meeting convened by the labour department with various industry stakeholders.

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has expressed grave concerns about the proposed amendment, which seeks to eliminate the current daily work limit of 10 hours, including overtime. If passed, the new legislation, known as the “Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024,” would enable IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) companies to implement longer workdays and possibly shift from a three-shift system to a two-shift system. This change could potentially lead to significant job cuts, with one-third of the workforce facing the risk of unemployment.

The KITU has denounced the bill as a severe attack on workers’ rights, citing studies that highlight the adverse health effects of prolonged working hours. According to the union, extended workdays are linked to increased risks of mental health issues, such as depression, and physical health problems, including higher risks of stroke and ischemic heart disease. The union pointed out that a report from the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) reveals that 45% of IT employees already face mental health challenges, while 55% suffer from physical health impacts.

The proposal has been met with widespread criticism from various quarters, with many viewing it as an attempt to impose harsh working conditions on the IT sector. The KITU has called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the state government to reconsider the amendment, warning that any move to implement it would be viewed as an “open challenge” to the 20 lakh IT/ITES employees in Karnataka. The union has urged workers to unite and resist what it describes as an “inhuman attempt to impose slavery.”

The timing of the proposal comes on the heels of another contentious bill recently cleared by the Karnataka government, which mandates private sector firms to prioritize local hires for a significant portion of non-management and management-level roles. This earlier bill has sparked a debate over job reservations and the prioritization of local talent.

The proposed extension of working hours has intensified the ongoing debate about work culture in India. Notably, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy had earlier suggested a shift towards a more demanding work culture, advocating for 70-hour work weeks for young professionals. This new bill, however, amplifies the conversation about the balance between productivity and employee well-being, as Karnataka’s IT hub braces for potential changes in the work environment.

Sources By Agencies

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