Are Indians Working Too Much… Or Just Differently? State-Wise Time Diary Brings Out Surprising Insights

A recent Time Use Survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has provided intriguing insights into how much time Indians devote to work-related activities each day.

On average, an Indian spends around 440 minutes per day - approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes - engaged in employment and associated tasks.

However, a closer look at state-wise data reveals some striking disparities.

Delhi Tops Work Hours

Delhi stands out as the state where residents work the longest, averaging 563 minutes daily (over nine hours) on employment activities.

In stark contrast, Nagaland reports the lowest average at just 329 minutes - about 5 hours and 29 minutes.

The survey was carried out between January and December 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was recently published as part of the 76th round of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

Delhi, Haryana Among Highest Working States

Delhi leads in average working time, followed by Haryana (528 minutes), Tamil Nadu (519 minutes), and Gujarat (509 minutes). These figures encompass not only primary work but also related activities such as commuting, job searching, and other employment-linked efforts.

Other states with high work duration include:

• Sikkim: 506 minutes
• Karnataka: 505 minutes
• Andhra Pradesh: 502 minutes

Conversely, states like Nagaland (329 minutes), Assam (365 minutes), Arunachal Pradesh (368 minutes), and Meghalaya (370 minutes) show significantly lower levels of time spent on work.

Experts attribute this disparity to varying employment patterns, work cultures, industrial presence, and socio-economic conditions.

Urban-Rural Divide in Work Hours

The data also reveals a clear urban-rural divide. Urban dwellers spend more time on work-related activities (averaging 453 minutes daily) compared to their rural counterparts (430 minutes). This is likely due to longer commuting times, corporate work environments, and the need to juggle multiple jobs in cities to cope with higher living costs.

Gender Gap in Work Time

A pronounced gender gap is also evident. Men spend an average of 529 minutes daily on employment activities, while women average just 305 minutes - underscoring ongoing disparities in India's labour force.

Why Are Nagaland's Work Hours Lower?

Nagaland's low average working time invites curiosity. Experts suggest that the state's economy, which is largely informal and centred on agriculture, does not demand fixed daily working hours.

In addition, the region's limited industrialisation and distinct socio-cultural customs likely influence how people allocate time to work.

In many northeastern states, daily life often revolves around community activities, subsistence farming, and seasonal employment, which could help explain the comparatively lower average work time.