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Working Hours: Exploring Narayana Murthy’s Suggestion
Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently made headlines by suggesting that young Indians must work for 70 hours a week. This statement has sparked a debate among the masses, with some expressing support and others criticizing the idea. Murthy made these comments in the first episode of a video series called ‘The Record’, published by 3one4 Capital.
Significance
The significance of Murthy’s suggestion lies in the aim to increase work productivity in India. According to him, the country’s work productivity is among the lowest globally. By advocating for longer working hours, Murthy aims to help India compete with countries that have made significant progress.
Features
Murthy’s suggestion implies that if people work for six days a week, they would need to work for 11.5 hours each day. However, a Time Use Survey conducted in India in 2019 reveals that the average young Indian already spends around 7.2 hours (in rural areas) to 8.5 hours (in urban areas) per day in employment and related activities. Therefore, the current work hours are notably lower than what Murthy envisions.
Objectives
The primary objective of Murthy’s suggestion is to improve India’s work productivity. By increasing the number of working hours, he believes that Indians can catch up with countries like Germany and Japan, which witnessed enhanced productivity through longer work hours in the past.
Effects
The effects of implementing Murthy’s recommendation are twofold. On one hand, longer work hours may lead to increased productivity initially, as seen in the German and Japanese examples. However, it is essential to consider the long-term effects on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Longer work hours can reduce the time available for leisure activities and have a negative impact on work-life balance.
Pros and Cons
Pros of implementing longer working hours include the potential for increased productivity and greater competition on an international scale. This may lead to economic growth and improved living standards. However, cons include the negative impact on individuals’ quality of life, decreased leisure time, and potential burnout. Balancing work productivity with employee well-being becomes crucial.
Fun Fact
Germany and Japan, two countries known for their strong work ethic, witnessed a reduction in average annual working hours as their labor productivity increased. This suggests that productivity can be improved through technology and efficient work practices rather than solely relying on longer working hours.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1. According to the information, who recently suggested that young Indians should work for 70 hours a week?
a) N.R. Narayana Murthy
b) Rebecca Rose Varghese
c) The employees of Infosys
d) The government of India
Answer: a) N.R. Narayana Murthy
Explanation: The information states that Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently suggested that young Indians should work for 70 hours a week.
2. What is the average number of hours an urban Indian aged 15-29 spends in a day on employment and related activities?
a) 7.2 hours
b) 8.5 hours
c) 9.6 hours
d) 11.5 hours
Answer: c) 9.6 hours
Explanation: According to the information, the average number of hours an urban Indian aged 15-29 spends in a day on employment and related activities is 9.6 hours.
3. In which countries did the average annual working hours per worker peak after the Second World War?
a) Germany and Japan
b) India and Japan
c) India and Germany
d) Japan and India
Answer: a) Germany and Japan
Explanation: The information states that the average annual working hours per worker peaked after the Second World War in Germany and Japan.
4. What is the relation between labour productivity and working hours in Germany and Japan?
a) As labour productivity increased, working hours increased
b) As labour productivity increased, working hours decreased
c) Labour productivity and working hours are unrelated
d) Labour productivity and working hours have a negative correlation
Answer: b) As labour productivity increased, working hours decreased
Explanation: According to the information, as labour productivity increased in Germany and Japan, the average working hours reduced drastically.
5. What is the percentage share of informal employment in the total workforce in Germany compared to India and Japan?
a) 4.2%
b) 8%
c) 89%
d) 100%
Answer: a) 4.2%
Explanation: The information states that the percentage share of informal employment in the total workforce is 4.2% in Germany, while it is 89% in India and around 8% in Japan.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week, sparking both support and criticism. Currently, young Indians spend around 7.2 to 8.5 hours a day on employment and related activities. Murthy argues that increasing work productivity is crucial for India’s competitiveness, citing Germany and Japan as examples where increased productivity led to reduced working hours. However, critics question whether longer work hours are the answer or if productivity should be enhanced through technology. It is also important to consider the difference in the nature of the labor force and the viability of comparing India to Germany and Japan.