New Delhi: Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has critiqued Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s endorsement of a 70-hour workweek. Chidambaram, instead, argued for efficiency, which he says, is better than working for long hours.
In a post on X, Chidambaram dismissed Murthy’s comments as impractical and outdated. “Working longer is meaningless; focus should be on efficiency,” he wrote. He also emphasised that “work-life balance is most important for good social order and harmony”.
Chidambaram also proposed a major shift in the working days and hours. He advocated for a four-day workweek, suggesting a schedule from 12 noon on Monday to 2pm on Friday. “Working longer is meaningless, focus should be on efficiency. Daily life is as it is a struggle, battling inefficient & substandard infrastructure & amenities. Work life balance is most important for good social order & harmony. We should infact move to a 4 day working week. 12 noon on Monday to 2 pm on Friday,” read his post on X.
Narayana Murthy’s 70 hour workweek philosophy
Murthy sparked controversy after he advocated a 70-hour workweek for young Indians. He said that during Infosys’ early years he worked six and a half days a week.
“I know every nation that became prosperous did so through hard work,” Murthy stated, while also expressing regret over shifting from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986. He argued that India’s development requires sacrifice.
Murthy defended his stance, stating, “800 million Indians receive free rations, highlighting the need for hard work to eliminate poverty. If we are not willing to work hard, who will?”
Another Congress MP, Gaurav Gogoi, has also opposed Murthy’s view, advocating for a balanced approach to life that includes responsibilities like caring for family and friends.
