Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Controversy Over 70-Hour Workweek in India
A famous businessman in India suggested that people should work 70 hours a week to make the country more competitive.
This idea is similar to a work schedule in China called '9-9-6,' which means working from 9 am to 9 pm for six days.
However, this schedule was banned in China because it was too harsh.
Some people in India support the idea, while others think it's too much and can harm people's health and happiness.
Currently, the average workweek in India is about 48.5 hours.
Many people work in small businesses or farms, and longer hours don't always mean they produce more.
Some countries like Japan and China have seen problems with long work hours, like stress and health issues.
India is also changing its labor laws to make work hours more flexible and ensure people have time to rest and take care of their health.
The debate is important because it makes people think about what work means and how to balance work and life.
Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy proposed a 70-hour workweek to boost India's productivity.
The '9-9-6' work schedule, which totals 72 hours, was declared illegal in China in 2021.
Supporters and opponents of the 70-hour workweek exist among corporate leaders.
Longer work hours do not necessarily increase productivity in India due to various factors.
India's new labor codes, to be implemented in 2025, aim to establish a better work-life balance.
- Who
- N.R. Narayana Murthy, Infosys founder, and various corporate leaders and critics
- What
- Controversy over proposing a 70-hour workweek in India
- When
- October 2023
- Where
- India, with references to China and Japan
- Why
- To boost India's productivity and compete with fast-growing countries like China and Japan
- Proposed Workweek
- 70 hours
- Current Average Workweek in India
- 48.5 hours
- China's Illegal '9-9-6' Workweek
- 72 hours
- India's Labour Force
- 625 million
- Unorganised Sector Workers
- 94% of total workers
- Self-Employment Growth Rate
- 7% annually
- New Labour Codes Implementation
- November 21, 2025
- Mr. Murthy's Career Work Hours
- 70 hours/week for 40 years