Cong MP Karti Chidambaram Junks Narayana Murthy's 70-Hour Workweek Proposal, Bats For 4-Day Workweek Instead

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has criticised Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy's proposal of working 70 hours a week, emphasising the need to focus on efficiency rather than "meaninglessly" working long hours. He advocated for a four-day working week, running from 12 noon on Monday to 2 pm on Friday.

Murthy, a strong proponent of a 70-hour workweek, believes it is crucial for India's growth and global competitiveness.

"Working longer is meaningless, focus should be on efficiency. Daily life is as it is a struggle, battling inefficient and substandard infrastructure and amenities. Work-life balance is most important for good social order and harmony. We should in fact move to a 4-day working week. 12 noon on Monday to 2 pm on Friday," Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, tweeted on Sunday.

Last month, Murthy stood by his belief in the necessity of working 70 hours a week, which had sparked a considerable debate. "First of all, I do not believe in work-life balance," he said at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit.

He expressed regret over India's shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, declaring, "I am sorry. I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave."

The Infosys co-founder further argued that India needed a stronger work ethic and even suggested that Indians should work 70 hours a week to contribute to the nation's progress.

Drawing from his own career, Murthy shared how he adhered to the values he promoted. He revealed that he worked long hours throughout his career, spending up to 14 hours a day, six and a half days a week, on his professional duties. His routine, he said, involved starting work at 6:30 am and leaving around 8:40 pm, a commitment he takes pride in.

Murthy's views on work ethic in India have often been compared to countries like Germany and Japan, which he claims rebuilt their economies after World War II through hard work and perseverance.

His comments came amid ongoing discussions regarding his previous suggestion that millennials in India should aim for a 70-hour workweek. The suggestion sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the need for a stronger work ethic, while others criticised it as excessive.