70-hour workweek? Here’s what a congress MP said about Narayana Murthy’s call
Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram criticized Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s call for a 70-hour workweek, sparking a debate on work-life balance. Murthy defended his stance, citing India’s development needs and his rigorous personal work ethic of 14-hour days, six days a week.
Chidambaram, however, dismissed the idea, calling long hours “meaningless” and emphasizing efficiency. He suggested India should consider a four-day workweek instead, proposing a schedule from Monday noon to Friday afternoon. He argued that battling daily inefficiencies and maintaining work-life balance are crucial for societal harmony.
Adding to the debate, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also opposed Murthy’s statement. He highlighted the importance of family responsibilities, saying life extends beyond work. Gogoi noted that traditionally, women don’t have the luxury to separate work from life, a privilege men must now share in a modern world.
Murthy earlier supported his 70-hour workweek comment by pointing to India’s poverty and the need for hard work to match global standards. He stressed that increased productivity is vital for progress, citing comparisons with Chinese workers and urging Indians to strive for excellence.
The discussion continues, highlighting differing perspectives on balancing ambition, efficiency, and quality of life.
