In the past week, there has been a significant amount of discussion and reactions following Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy’s recommendation that Indian young individuals should dedicate 70 hours per week to enhance the country’s overall productivity.
Karnataka IT Minister Prioritizes Productivity Over Long Work Hours
The most recent individual to express their perspective on this matter was Karnataka’s Information Technology Minister, Priyank Kharge. He mentioned that while everyone is entitled to their own viewpoint, his focus would be on productivity rather than the number of hours an employee spends at work.
Kharge stated, “Different people have different approaches. In my role as a minister, my primary concern is productivity. If you can achieve productivity in seven hours, that’s perfectly fine with me. If you choose to invest the additional seven hours to enhance your productivity and contribute to the department or ministry, you are encouraged to do so. However, we cannot compel anyone to work for 70 hours. We cannot endorse the operation of sweatshops.”
Differing Opinions on Work Hours: Kharge, Goenka, and Other Influential Figures Weigh In
Kharge’s perspective contrasts with Murthy’s viewpoint and aligns with that of RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka, who also emphasized that the number of hours worked, whether 50 or 70, is less relevant than factors such as ambition, purpose, and overall productivity when evaluating a professional’s performance.
Previously, other prominent figures from diverse industries, including JSW’s Sajjan Jindal and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, had concurred with Narayana Murthy’s stance. Murthy had initially made this recommendation during the inaugural episode of the 3one4 Capital’s ‘The Record’ podcast.
