'Call it Narayana Murthy hours': Karnataka govt's 12-hour work proposal revives Infosys co-founder¡¯s 70-hour dream, sparks memefest
The Karnataka government's proposal to extend work hours to 10 daily and increase overtime limits has sparked online backlash and a memefest, with many linking it to Narayana Murthy's earlier dream for a 70-hour workweek.
Remember Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy's comment over the suggestion for a 70-hour workweek for employees? Well, yes, that stirred a major debate online then. However, the 70-hour workweek reaction seems to be turning true after the Karnataka government proposed to increase daily working time from nine to 10 hours in the state.
Along with this, the proposal will also allow up to 12 hours of work a day by amending the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961. Soon, the news dropped on the internet; it quickly sparked a wave of online reactions, with many referencing Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who earlier sparked a debate by advocating a 70-hour workweek for Indian youth.
However, the Karnataka State IT/ITes Employees Union (KITU) on Wednesday opposed the proposal and called upon ¡°the entire working class to come in resistance".
Credit: X | @kadaipaneeeer
Karnataka government's proposal for new working hours sparks debate
According to the Karnataka government, they are planning to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, along with the 1963 Rules, to increase the daily working hours from 9 to 10 hours and permit 12 hours of overtime in a single day.
Additionally, the proposed changes would expand the current three-month overtime limit from 50 to 144 hours. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to "ease business operations" in the IT and service sectors. However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism, but there are people who are sharing it as meme material.
12 hours of work a day in Karnataka sparks memefest
Apart from drawing flak, the proposal has sparked a meme fest on social media, and netizens can't stop comparing it to Narayana Murthy's comment. A look at the funniest memes online:
One said, "Karnataka IT employees who are already working 14 hours per day"
Karnataka IT employees who are already working 14 hours per day - https://t.co/EgGZhX9Vuz pic.twitter.com/5teBLJq4Ig
¡ª ???????... ???????... (@UppinaKai) June 19, 2025
While another wrote, "Meanwhile, IT employees of Karnataka to Murthy and L&T Chairman for giving this idea.."
Karnataka Govt proposes 12 hr workdays for IT employees.
¡ª Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) June 18, 2025
Meanwhile Narayana Murthy Sir.. pic.twitter.com/XAgAd4EHdh
"This is outrageous!," one added. "Lol it is inspired from who?"
Lol it is inspired from who ?
¡ª The Plug (@ThePlughell) June 19, 2025
One claimed that Murthy must have been on board that proposal. Along with this, the social media platforms were soon flooded with memes, GIFs and sarcastic posts, including one reading, ¡°Narayana Murthy side mein naach raha he (Murthy must be dancing on the sidelines)."
"Narayanmurti will be happy," another commented.
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Sneha is a dedicated writer with a passion for storytelling that enthrals and inspires the readers. With a background in Health and Wellness, she brings a unique perspective to every narrative. As a journalist, she aims to find solutions with authenticity and credibility.
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