Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Infosys Founder Murthy Defends 72-Hour Work Week, Faces Backlash
A famous businessman named Narayana Murthy said people should work 72 hours every week, like in a rule in China called '996'.
He believes working very hard is the only way for people and countries to become successful.
He said you should work first and then think about relaxing.
However, many people on the internet disagreed.
They said that in India, the cost of living is very high and the roads and transport are not very good.
They also mentioned that the '996' rule in China makes people very tired and unhappy, and some people even call it unfair.
Some people suggested looking at countries in Europe where people work fewer hours and have more time for fun.
Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy suggested a 72-hour work week, referencing China's '996 rule' (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week).
Murthy asserted that hard work is fundamental for individual and national progress, suggesting work-life balance should be considered after achieving success.
Social media users widely criticized Murthy's proposal, citing India's high cost of living, poor infrastructure, and insufficient salaries.
Critics also pointed out that China's '996 rule' has led to widespread burnout and is viewed negatively, with some European work models presented as healthier alternatives.
Murthy's comments triggered immediate backlash online, with many arguing that India's realities do not support such long working hours.
- Who
- Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy
- What
- Reiterated his advocacy for a 72-hour work week, using China's '996 rule' as an example and emphasizing the importance of hard work.
- When
- During an interview with Republic TV, with the comments going viral on social media shortly after.
- Where
- Comments made in India, referencing practices in China.
- Why
- To stress the necessity of hard work for achieving individual, community, and national success, and to set an example for the youth.
Narayana Murthy's View
Public/Social Media Reaction
Work Hours
Narayana Murthy's View
Advocates for a 72-hour work week, citing China's '996 rule' (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week) as a model for success and hard work.
Public/Social Media Reaction
Criticizes the 72-hour work week as excessive, given India's poor infrastructure, high cost of living, and existing long commutes. Suggests that such hours lead to burnout and are unsustainable.
Work-Life Balance
Narayana Murthy's View
Suggests focusing on hard work first, and worrying about work-life balance later.
Public/Social Media Reaction
Argues for a better work-life balance, referencing European work culture (e.g., 10 am to 5 pm, 5 days a week) and highlighting that China's '996 rule' leads to burnout and is considered 'modern slavery'.
Path to Progress
Narayana Murthy's View
Believes hard work, exemplified by PM Modi's 100-hour work week, is crucial for individual and national success and for creating opportunities.
Public/Social Media Reaction
Contends that true progress comes from fair compensation, skill development, and an innovative culture, not from extended working hours which deplete the workforce and do not necessarily increase productivity.
- Suggested Work Hours
- 72 hours per week
- China's '996 Rule'
- 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week (72 hours total)
- Narayana Murthy's Rationale
- Emphasizes hard work as essential for individual, community, and national success; cites Chinese cities' progress and PM Modi's work ethic as examples.
- Social Media Criticism
- Highlights poor infrastructure, high cost of living, and insufficient salaries in India as reasons why a 72-hour week is impractical.
- Critiques of '996 Rule'
- Leads to burnout, poor work-life balance, health issues, and is considered by some as a violation of labor laws ('modern slavery').
- Alternative Work Model Mentioned
- European model: 10 am to 5 pm, 5 days a week.
- Legal Status of '996 Rule'
- Declared illegal by China's Supreme Court in 2021, but enforcement remains uncertain.
Sources
Narayana Murthy pitches 72 hours work week again: It's 9 9 6 rule in China
Narayana Murthy advocates 72-hour work week, praises China’s 9-9-6 rule: ‘Get a life and then worry about work-life balance’
Murthy Cites China’s 9-9-6 Model, Triggers Debate on India’s Work Culture
Inside China’s 996 Work Culture That Narayan Murthy Is Advocating
