During a spontaneous discussion, the co-founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy has started a debate nationwide. He suggested that the working hours of the youth should be 70 hours in a week. The work culture of India will be upgraded at a global stage according to him.
Narayana Murthy in ‘The Record’
Speaking on “The Record,” 3one4 Capital’s podcast, he emphasised on the urgency to improve the labour productivity of the country. He said that India would find it difficult to catch up to economies that have made tremendous strides in the last few decades unless its youth commit to working long hours.
(Image source : Reuters)
A conversation was going on between 77 year old Murthy with Mohandas Pai, the former CEO of Infosys, on the first episode. Narayana Murthy highlighted comparisons between Germany and Japan, two nations that had expanded working hours. In addition to this he discussed about subjects like different technologies, his business Infosys, and other things.
Topics discussed by Mr. Murthy
When questioned about his goals in the next decade, Mr. Narayana Murthy emphasised on the requirement to increase India’s output and which will in turn provide solutions to the delays done by the government.
During an interview with former CFO of Infosys Pai, Murthy identified India as one of the world’s lowest rates of work productivity. He used Germany and Japan as examples of how they fixed a culture of long hours and dedication after World War II to aid in their recovery and close the gap with nations like China.
He also spoke about other barriers to India’s development. He also stated the ineffective bureaucracy and corrupt government practises of the country. He highlighted the importance of the removal these obstacles in order for India to become the world’s front-runner.
He stated the difficulty in the progress of the country without improving the work productivity, corrupt government as well as the delays that are done by the bureaucracy.
70 hours a week work
Murthy declared, “Therefore, I beg to the country’s youth to work for their own country” and initiate to take up the responsibilities of nation-building. He drew further attention to historical precedents from Japan after the Second World War. He also added that the youth should take the first steps.
Debates sparks after his advice
Mr Murthy’s comments have sparked a debate nationwide. People have differing views on the viability of such an extended work week. They are also concerned about its impact on work-life balance. Murthy’s call for a change in India’s work culture is striking a chord with many who think that a more dedicated and disciplined approach is required to propel India forward.
The founder and CEO of Ola Electric’s, Bhavish Aggarwal, responded to the remarks by saying he agreed with the concepts put out. He stressed upon the view of replicating the advancements made by other countries. In order to develop a stronger India in a single generation will require a great deal of devotion and teamwork in the current period.
(Image Source : moneycontrol.com)
Murthy discussed the rise of emerging markets, particularly China’s. “I say in next two or three decades, they would have experienced some highs and lows as well as challenges. I think we would develop if they could point to nations like China and other nations that have experienced notable economic growth and ask, “What are the policy decisions that allowed them to grow very well?” he added.
