Karnataka Drops Extended Work Hours Plan, IT Union Welcomes Move

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka government has decided to scrap a proposal to increase working hours in the IT/ITeS sector from 9 to 10 hours a day.
• This decision is attributed to months of protests and campaigns by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), involving demonstrations at IT parks, streets, and company offices.
• In a meeting with KITU office-bearers, Additional Labor Commissioner G. Manjunath communicated the decision.
• Union members also approached mr. Manjunath regarding concerns over layoffs recently announced by TCS during their visit on Tuesday.
• Mr. Manjunath stated that if the State government decides on labour matters, it cannot be overridden by Central government directives concerning this domain.

indian Opinion Analysis

The Karnataka government’s decision highlights the significance of grassroots mobilization in shaping labor policies within one of India’s largest employment sectors-IT/ITeS. KITU’s persistent efforts emphasize employees’ growing engagement in protecting their rights amid rapid industry changes like extended working hours and layoffs. While rejecting longer workdays may maintain employee morale and productivity levels, adherence to such demands could set precedents for worker advocacy across other sectors in India as well.

This policy move signals state autonomy over labor laws under India’s federal structure-a model likely replicated when balancing economic growth objectives with social equity considerations nationwide.

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