Govt Under Pressure: Karnataka Minister Evaluates Bill Amid IT Industry’s Plea Against Grueling 14-Hour Work Days
Karnataka Government Under Pressure to Consider Longer Work Hours for IT Employees
Bengaluru, July 22: Karnataka’s Labour Minister, Santhosh Lad, disclosed that the state government is facing significant pressure from the IT industry to introduce legislation allowing for extended work hours for software professionals. Speaking at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Minister Lad clarified that the proposed Bill, which would enable tech workers to work up to 14 hours daily, is still under evaluation by the government.
"The Bill has surfaced due to pressure from the IT industries, not from IT Minister Priyank Kharge himself,” Lad explained. He emphasized that while the IT industry’s push has propelled the Bill forward, the government’s labour department is carefully scrutinizing the proposal.
Minister Lad called for a broader dialogue on the issue, urging key industrial stakeholders to openly discuss the potential implications. “This matter is now in the public domain, and we welcome input from all major stakeholders. IT heads, company owners, and directors need to come forward to discuss whether such an extension is necessary,” he said.
Acknowledging the dissent among IT employees, Lad invited opinions from the public, stating that feedback—whether positive or negative—would be seriously considered before any decision is made. He pointed out that the pressure emanates from industry leaders and that the government’s approach is informed by this external influence rather than internal initiatives.
Responding to concerns about the personal and social lives of IT employees, Lad stressed the need for thorough discussions among industry leaders. The proposed changes have sparked significant concern from the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), which highlighted the potential adverse effects on employees’ mental and physical health and their work-life balance.
In conclusion, Minister Lad reassured that the government would deliberate wisely and appealed for public opinion on the matter. “The government and my department, in our wisdom, will make a decision,” he assured, underlining the importance of community feedback in shaping the final outcome.
IANS
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/22/14-hour-work-day-govt-pressured-by-it-industry-we-are-evaluating-bill-ktaka-min/
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