Beyond Hours: Why India's Workforce Deserves Dignity, Not Exploitation

India’s dream of becoming a "Vishwaguru"—a guiding light for the world—is rooted in values that touch the lives of every individual: fairness, justice, and equity. Narayana Murthy Sir, a visionary who transformed India’s IT landscape and inspired millions, recently proposed a 70-hour workweek as a path to progress. His call for dedication and hard work reflects his deep love for India’s future, but it also opens up a vital conversation about what this means for the everyday lives of workers—their families, their well-being, and their aspirations. With the deepest respect for his wisdom and contributions, I humbly share my thoughts on how we can pursue progress in a way that honors both productivity and the dignity of every Indian.

For India to truly excel, the value of work must go beyond hours clocked. Soldiers, for instance, who risk their lives daily to protect the nation, should earn far more than anyone else. Teachers, who invest over 12 hours a day in shaping the minds of future generations, are rewarded with salaries that do not reflect their immense contributions. These critical roles, fundamental to the country’s progress, remain undervalued and undercompensated. If we are to ask individuals to dedicate longer hours, their efforts must be matched by fair pay and recognition. Soldiers, whose dedication ensures national security; teachers, who build generations; and workers across sectors, whose contributions sustain the economy, all deserve policies that value their sacrifices. A satisfied workforce is a secure and motivated one, forming the backbone of a stable and thriving nation.

India’s Labour Laws, like the Minimum Wages Act and Workmen’s Compensation Act, often remain just words on paper, with many businesses ignoring their responsibility to provide basic protections for workers. Soldiers, teachers, and labourers must be paid in proportion to their contributions, and Labour Laws must be strictly enforced to ensure every worker is treated with dignity and respect. If longer workweeks are to become a reality, they must come with fair rewards and robust protections to sustain the physical and mental health of the workforce. Fair wages and equitable labor policies are not just economic imperatives—they’re strategic ones.

A dissatisfied and overburdened workforce can lead to unrest, reduced civic engagement, and weakened national solidity. This leaves employees struggling with inadequate pay that barely meets their needs. It’s simple—people are willing to work longer hours if they are paid fairly and their basic needs are met. Take, for example, a sweeper who might gladly work 12-hour shifts if offered ₹500 per hour. While that might sound like a good deal initially, the reality is different. After income tax, GST on everyday essentials, and inflation, their take-home earnings shrink to less than ₹300 per hour. That reduced amount has to cover essentials like food, housing, and education, leaving little for emergencies or savings.

Additionally, for working 12 hours, they might have spent 2-3 hours commuting, adding to their physical and mental exhaustion. To address this, besides increasing salaries, employers should bear the cost of reducing employees’ commuting time, such as providing transportation or accommodations near the workplace. If we want workers to take on 70 or 80-hour workweeks, we need to ensure they’re paid fairly, with wages that truly reflect the value of their hard work and expertise—and make them feel proud to be Indian citizens, just like our leaders and businesspeople.

Moreover, the saying, "If you throw peanuts, you get monkeys," aptly describes the consequences of undervaluing labour. Low wages not only devalue hard work but also fail to inspire loyalty or efficiency. Expecting workers to remain at their jobs for 10 or more hours daily without fair compensation and incentives is both impractical and exploitative. It leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and inefficiency, undermining the very progress such extended hours aim to achieve.

While Narayana Murthy Sir advocates for a relentless focus on work, the lack of work-life balance inherent in such a model is unsustainable for most workers. A 70- or 80-hour workweek leaves almost no time for personal well-being, family interactions, or rest. With 10 hours dedicated to work, 3-4 hours for commuting, 7-8 hours for sleep, and 2 hours for personal needs, workers are left without meaningful time for family or leisure. For such demands to be feasible, tangible benefits like equitable pay, mental health support, career advancement opportunities, and safeguards against burnout must be provided. Overworking doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts families and communities, leading to a cycle of decreased morale and productivity. Policies that prioritize mental health support, fair schedules, and meaningful rewards can ensure that work remains fulfilling, not burdensome.

Global examples show that productivity need not come at the expense of well-being. Countries like Luxembourg, which rank high on happiness indices, achieve strong productivity through equitable labour policies, fair wages, and robust worker protections. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index offers an inspiring example of how a nation can prioritize quality of life alongside economic progress. Adopting similar metrics, India can showcase a unique model where workers are not just productive but also fulfilled, setting a global standard for holistic growth. Countries like Japan have shown how integrating advanced tools and systems into traditional sectors can amplify output without overburdening workers. For India to truly rise as a Vishwaguru, investment in skill development and the adoption of automation in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and services could ensure efficiency without sacrificing worker well-being. Rather than merely increasing hours, the focus should shift to empowering the workforce with technology that complements their labor, driving sustainable growth. India, too, must prioritize such initiatives to inspire not just productivity but also loyalty and satisfaction among its workforce.

Judicial and ethical principles further reinforce the importance of fairness in labour markets. The Indian Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy advocate equitable resource distribution, while judicial observations emphasize impartiality and justice. Aligning labour policies with these principles ensures not just compliance with constitutional mandates but also the creation of a just and inclusive economy.

True progress is not achieved by sacrificing well-being for productivity but by creating a system where hard work translates into real value and satisfaction for individuals. Let us build a nation where every Indian’s labour is respected, rewarded, and celebrated, enabling us to lead not just in hours worked but in happiness, fairness, and prosperity. Only then can India truly achieve its vision of being a global guiding light. For India to truly rise as a Vishwaguru, valuing its workforce fairly must be a key priority and at the same time our Politicians and Businesspeople should never forget… ”यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः”.