Karnataka Plans 12-Hour Shifts for IT Sector, Faces Backlash from IT Unions

The Karnataka government has proposed to increase working hours in the IT and commercial sectors to 12 hours a day. The proposal has sparked strong opposition from employees, trade unions, and mental health experts.

Karnataka Government’s Plan

The government is planning to increase daily working hours from 9 to 10. With overtime, the total could go up to 12 hours a day. It also wants to raise the overtime limit from 50 to 144 hours over three months.

To do this, the state plans to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961. The aim, according to officials, is to simplify procedures like recordkeeping and certification, especially for smaller establishments.

Reports suggest that if the amendment comes into force, companies in the IT sector are likely to benefit the most.

Karnataka Following Andhra Pradesh’s Footsteps

Earlier, the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh also increased working hours from 9 to 10 per day in an effort to attract investors and improve ease of doing business.

According to Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy, the move was framed as favorable to both employers and employees. He said women, who were earlier not allowed to work night shifts, would now be provided with surveillance, security, and transport facilities. He also claimed that the changes would lead to higher incomes, gender inclusion, and greater formal sector participation for women.

Even Andhra’s move faced pushback at the time.

Opposition by Trade Unions

KITU—the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union—has criticized the move and called it a form of modern slavery.

The state’s labour department recently held a meeting with trade unions and industry representatives to discuss the plan. After attending, KITU leaders Suhas Adiga and Lenin Babu urged workers to unite and oppose the amendment.

They warned employees about how this change would affect work-life balance and job security. Under the current law, employees can work a maximum of 10 hours a day, including overtime. They also pointed out that the new law would make 12-hour shifts official and bring in a two-shift setup, which they say could lead to losing one-third of current jobs.

Union members accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over workers’ emotional well-being and basic rights.

KITU also cited the 2024 State Emotional Well-being Report, which found that 90% of corporate employees under the age of 25 are dealing with anxiety.

Government Responds to the Backlash

Amid rising criticism from employee unions, the Karnataka government has released a clarification statement, explaining what the proposal actually includes and what it doesn’t.

Karnataka Government Issues Clarification on Work Hours Proposal

• The government reaffirmed that the 48-hour weekly work limit remains unchanged.

• The proposed 10-hour workday includes a mandatory 1-hour break, keeping actual working hours at 9 per day.

• A maximum limit of 12 hours per day, including overtime, will be enforced.

• The proposal adheres to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and complies with domestic labor laws.

• The objective is to enable employees to complete 48 hours in fewer days, offering greater flexibility.

• The proposal is currently under consultation and has not yet been finalized.

Psychologists’ Perspective

Mental health professionals have also raised concerns.

In a statement to Deccan Herald, psychologist Shanu Ben Choudhary said if longer hours are unavoidable, the government must also focus on improving emotional wellness.

“It may proportionally burden women who care for families,” she noted. She added that any such shift must come with stronger institutional mental health support and a revised salary structure to ensure workers are at least financially compensated.

Dolly Sharma, founder of Pukar, said her clients often cite lack of family time and job instability as major stressors. “Does more time really mean more productivity?” she asked.

Employee Reactions

Reports also highlight strong opposition from employees. Many said long working hours, combined with daily commute times, leave little room for rest or personal life.

One employee shared how she spends over 1.5 hours commuting one way and said productivity is hurt more by poor task division and lack of professionalism than by shorter shifts.

Why It Matters

Multiple reports and experts have linked long working hours to higher stress, sleep issues, and mental health concerns.

A recent article published by MedBound Times highlighted how extended work shifts often lead to reduced sleep quality, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion, especially among younger professionals.

Experts warn that if implemented without adequate safeguards, Karnataka’s proposal could deepen mental health challenges, lower productivity, and worsen work-life balance.

Whether this shift leads to economic gains or a wave of burnout, only time will tell.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)