On July 22, Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad announced that IT industries are pressuring the state government to extend working hours for employees. The proposal under consideration would amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, allowing employees in the IT/ITES/BPO sector to work more than 12 hours a day, not exceeding 125 hours over three continuous months.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The proposal has sparked a significant debate among various stakeholders. IT unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) and Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), have strongly opposed the idea, arguing that extending working hours is detrimental to employees’ well-being.
Minister Lad expressed his frustration, emphasizing the need for a broader discussion. “I want all heads of industries to discuss this. They express opinions on everything. The so-called IT heads, owners, and directors have to come out, discuss, and give their opinions about it, and tell us whether it is required or not,” he said.
Government’s Stance and Industry Perspectives
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured that the government would make a decision only after consulting all stakeholders. This cautious approach aims to balance industry needs with employee welfare.
Ashish Aggarwal, Vice President & Head of Public Policy at the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), clarified their stance. “We have not requested a 14-hour workday limit or a 70-hour workweek. We fully support the 48-hour workweek, which is the standard across the country,” he said. Nasscom advocates for flexibility within the existing 48-hour framework to help companies standardize operations across states.
Underlying Tensions and Broader Implications
The proposal to extend working hours is part of a broader context of tension between the government and the IT sector. Minister Lad reportedly expressed dissatisfaction after the IT-BT department opposed a bill mandating job reservation for locals, prepared by the labour department.
On July 17, the Karnataka government decided to put on hold the implementation of a bill requiring job reservation for locals in the private sector. The bill, which mandates reserving 50% of management jobs and 70% of non-management roles for local candidates, faced opposition from Nasscom and industry leaders.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over extended working hours in Karnataka’s IT sector highlights the complex interplay between industry demands, employee welfare, and government regulations. As discussions continue, it remains crucial to find a balanced solution that supports both economic growth and the well-being of the workforce
