Karnataka government 12 Hour Workday Proposal for IT Employees Sparks Massive Outrage

Karnataka government 12 Hour Workday Proposal for IT Employees Sparks Massive Outrage

The Karnataka government has recently stirred a hornet’s nest by proposing a highly controversial amendment that would allow 12 hour workdays for IT and ITES employees. This move, aimed at supposedly improving productivity and competitiveness in the state’s booming tech sector, has been met with severe criticism from employee unions, rights activists, and workers alike. With Bengaluru being the heart of India’s technology ecosystem, any change in labor laws affecting IT workers sets a precedent that could ripple across the nation.

At the center of the backlash is the Karnataka IT/ITES Employees Union, which strongly opposed the amendment. According to them, the proposed change reflects a shocking disregard for the basic human needs of workers. They argue that the policy shows the state government is unwilling to recognise workers as human beings who require personal and social lives to survive . This sharp statement captures the growing resentment among employees who already grapple with stressful deadlines, unrealistic client expectations, and long screen times under standard 8-9 hour work shifts.

The government has claimed that the longer workday would be voluntary and include sufficient compensation or time-off in lieu. However, in practice, such flexibility rarely exists for most employees, especially in India’s corporate hierarchy. Once extended hours are legalized, companies may begin to subtly (or overtly) pressure employees to work longer, normalizing a 12-hour day as a baseline expectation. Many fear that the “voluntary” clause could become a loophole that enables exploitation.

Critics also highlight the long-term physical and mental health impact of extended work hours. Decades of research prove that overwork leads to higher stress, burnout, sleep disorders, and chronic illnesses. The IT industry, already associated with high anxiety levels and a culture of overcommitment, could become even more toxic under this new framework. Burnt-out employees are not only less productive but also more likely to quit, leading to high attrition rates and talent shortages in the long run.

Equally concerning is the damage this policy would do to employees’ work-life balance. A 12 hour workday leaves almost no room for family, recreation, hobbies, or social engagement. This shift could transform the tech workforce into a generation of isolated, exhausted individuals, with very little quality of life outside their jobs. For a sector that thrives on innovation, creativity, and collaboration, this is a deeply self-destructive path. It undermines the very human capital that drives the success of the IT industry.

This proposal must also be viewed within the broader context of India’s evolving labor laws. Over the past few years, several Indian states have pushed for deregulation under the guise of economic reform. However, many of these reforms focus on pleasing investors and big business without safeguarding worker rights. Labor unions and rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern that India is sliding toward a model where profit is prioritized over people.

Globally, the direction is quite the opposite. Many developed countries, particularly in Europe, are moving toward shorter workweeks, flexible schedules, and employee-friendly laws. Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands emphasize employee well-being as a key driver of productivity. Pilot programs in the UK and Iceland testing 4-day workweeks have shown promising results with happier employees and improved output. If Karnataka’s proposal becomes law, it could send a regressive message to the global community, suggesting that India’s growth comes at the cost of human dignity.

Beyond the economic and health implications, this policy raises ethical questions about how society values time and labor. Are employees merely resources to be maximized? Or are they individuals with rights, aspirations, and lives beyond the workplace? By proposing to legalize 12-hour workdays, the Karnataka government appears to lean toward the former. This fundamentally undermines the principle of decent work promoted by organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO).

For a state that prides itself on technological innovation, attracting global investment, and being the face of modern India, this move seems out of touch. The government could instead focus on policies that encourage smarter working, not longer working. This includes investing in upskilling, automation, mental health programs, and creating better career progression opportunities. Real productivity comes from motivated and balanced employees not from squeezing extra hours at the cost of well-being.

The voices of protest are growing louder, and rightfully so. Employee unions, social media users, mental health experts, and even some corporate leaders have raised red flags. They are urging the government to rethink the proposal and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. Democracy thrives when decisions reflect public consensus and protect the vulnerable not when they are made to favor profit margins alone.

In conclusion, Karnataka proposed 12 hour workday for IT employees is a regressive step dressed up as progress. It threatens to erode employee rights, destroy work-life balance, and normalize exploitation in an industry that is already under pressure. The government must abandon the outdated notion that longer hours mean better performance. The future of work is not about how many hours one sits at a desk, but how effectively and sustainably one can contribute. It’s time to choose people over policies and dignity over deadlines.

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