Narayana Murthy's 72-Hour Workweek Proposal: Inspiration or Exploitation? India Reacts

The debate about work-life balance in India just got a massive reset. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again sparked a national conversation, this time endorsing China's controversial 9-9-6 work culture—working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week—as a blueprint for India's economic growth.

In a recent interview on Republic TV, the tech icon didn't hold back. He suggested that if India wants to overtake China's economy, which is currently six times larger, Indians need to put in extraordinary hours. We're talking 72 hours a week, not just from employees, but from everyone—bureaucrats, politicians, business leaders, and citizens alike.

This isn't the first time Murthy has thrown this grenade into public discourse. Last year, his advocacy for 70-hour workweeks made headlines and divided the nation. Now, with India's GDP growth hovering around 6.57% and the country positioning itself as the next global economic powerhouse, he's doubling down on his stance.

But here's the thing: the internet isn't having it. Well, at least half of it isn't. The reactions have been fierce, divided, and honestly, pretty revealing about where India stands on the work-life balance debate in 2025.

Let's unpack what Murthy actually said, why it matters, and what this means for India's workforce and future.

What Exactly Did Narayana Murthy Say?

In his Republic TV interview, Murthy laid out a vision that's equal parts ambitious and controversial. His core argument goes something like this:

"China built its economy through extraordinary work ethic. Their 9-9-6 culture—72 hours a week—helped them become an economic superpower. If India wants to compete and eventually surpass China, we need similar dedication."

He emphasized that this isn't just about corporate employees grinding away in tech parks. According to Murthy, everyone needs to step up:

• Government bureaucrats need to work harder to clear red tape

• Politicians should focus more on governance and less on politics

• Business leaders must lead by example

• Young professionals should embrace the hustle mentality
  

This builds on his previous statements from late 2023, when he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week for the next 10-15 years to accelerate the nation's development. Back then, the backlash was swift, with critics calling it out-of-touch and exploitative.

So why is he saying it again, and with even more conviction?

Understanding the Context: India vs. China

To be fair to Murthy, let's look at the numbers he's working with.

China's economy is massive. We're talking about a GDP of over $17 trillion compared to India's $3.7 trillion. That's not just bigger—it's overwhelmingly larger. China built this through decades of aggressive industrialization, massive infrastructure projects, and yes, a work culture that borders on the extreme.

The 9-9-6 culture Murthy references is real and widespread in China, particularly in the tech sector. Companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance have long expected employees to work 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. That's 72 hours, compared to the standard 40-hour workweek in most developed nations.

Did it help China grow? Absolutely. But at what cost?

Here's what often gets left out of this narrative:

• Chinese workers face severe burnout and mental health crises

• The term "guolaosi" (death from overwork) entered the national vocabulary

• China's government has actually started cracking down on extreme work hours

• Younger Chinese generations are increasingly rejecting this culture through movements like "Tang Ping" (lying flat) and "Bai Lan" (let it rot)

So Murthy is essentially advocating for a work culture that even China is starting to question. That's... interesting timing.

India's Current Work Culture: Where We Actually Stand

Before we debate whether Indians should work 72 hours, let's talk about where things stand right now.

India already has one of the longest working hours in the world. According to International Labour Organization data, the average Indian worker clocks in around 46-48 hours per week officially, but many professionals—especially in tech, consulting, and finance—regularly work 50-60 hours.

But here's the catch: longer hours don't automatically mean higher productivity.

Studies from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) consistently show that productivity per hour worked in India lags behind countries with shorter work weeks like Germany, Denmark, or the Netherlands. Why? Multiple reasons:

• Inefficient work processes

• Poor infrastructure

• Lack of proper tools and technology

• Meeting overload and workplace bureaucracy

• Insufficient training and skill development

Translation: Indians are already working hard. The question is whether they're working smart.

The Case FOR Murthy's Proposal: Understanding the Other Side

Let's be balanced here. Murthy isn't some random Twitter influencer talking nonsense. He's a man who co-founded a company that became a global IT giant and employed hundreds of thousands of Indians. He's seen what it takes to compete globally.

Here's the strongest case for his perspective:

1. Critical Development Phase

India is at a crucial moment. We have a demographic advantage—a young, large workforce—that won't last forever. The window to capitalize on this is roughly the next 15-20 years. After that, our population will age, and the opportunity might pass.

2. Historical Precedent

Every major economy went through a period of intense work and sacrifice during its development phase:

• America's industrial revolution (terrible working conditions, long hours)

• Japan's post-WWII recovery (extreme dedication to rebuilding)

• South Korea's economic miracle (Samsung, LG, Hyundai built through intense work culture)

• China's transformation (the very 9-9-6 culture Murthy mentions)

The pattern suggests that rapid economic growth requires temporary sacrifice.

3. Global Competition

Whether we like it or not, India is competing on a global stage. Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are also vying for manufacturing and services contracts. If Indian workers aren't willing to put in extra effort, companies will simply go elsewhere.

4. Voluntary vs. Mandatory

Some interpret Murthy's comments as aspirational rather than mandatory. He's not proposing a law forcing 72-hour weeks. He's suggesting that those who want to see India succeed should voluntarily commit to extra effort.

The Case AGAINST: Why This Proposal Faces Backlash

Now for the other side, which has been loud, clear, and frankly, pretty compelling.

1. The Compensation Gap

Here's the thing that drives critics crazy: Murthy is a billionaire suggesting that regular people work 72-hour weeks while many of them struggle to make ends meet.

The average Indian IT professional earns nowhere near what their counterparts in the US or Europe make. When adjusted for purchasing power and cost of living, the gap is still significant. The argument goes: "Pay us fairly first, then talk about extra hours."

As one viral tweet put it: "Mr. Murthy wants us to work like we're earning Infosys founder money while paying us fresher salaries."

2. Health and Wellbeing

Medical professionals have been vocal about this. Working 72 hours a week isn't sustainable long-term. The research is clear:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

• Higher rates of depression and anxiety

• Burnout leading to decreased productivity over time

• Relationship and family problems

• Reduced life satisfaction and happiness

Japan's case study is particularly relevant here. They had a similar extreme work culture that led to such severe problems (including deaths from overwork) that the government had to intervene with strict labor reforms.

3. Productivity vs. Hours

This is perhaps the strongest counter-argument. Productivity isn't about hours worked—it's about output per hour.

Countries like Germany, with their strict 40-hour weeks, mandatory vacation time, and strong work-life balance, have higher GDP per capita and productivity rates than many countries with longer working hours.

The real question should be: How do we make Indian workers more productive in fewer hours? Better training, modern tools, streamlined processes, reduced bureaucracy—these might matter more than raw hours.

4. The Exploitation Angle

Critics argue that billionaire founders advocating for longer hours from regular employees is inherently problematic. When you own the company, those extra hours directly increase your wealth. When you're an employee, you're often just working more for the same salary.

Indian labor laws and enforcement are already weak compared to developed nations. There's legitimate concern that statements like Murthy's give cover to exploitative practices.

5. The "Lead by Example" Question

Some pointed out: Are politicians and bureaucrats currently working 72-hour weeks? If the call is for everyone to step up, should it start from the top?

The skepticism here is that advice from the ultra-wealthy to the regular workforce often lacks self-awareness about the different realities people face.

What Young Indians Are Actually Saying

The response on social media has been... colorful. Here's a sample of the discourse:

Supporting Murthy:

• "He built Infosys when India had nothing. We should listen."

• "China didn't become powerful by working 40 hours. If we want to compete, we need to put in the work."

• "Temporary sacrifice for long-term gain. Our grandparents' generation did it."
  

Opposing Murthy:

• "Respectfully, no. Pay us better first."

• "Work-life balance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for mental health."

• "This is rich coming from someone who won't work a single extra hour himself."

• "Maybe fix the systems that waste our time first before demanding more time."
  

The Nuanced Middle:

• "He has a point about effort, but 72 hours is insane. Maybe focus on smart work?"

• "I'm willing to work hard, but not at the expense of my health and family."

• "The real issue is productivity, not hours. Let's talk about that."
  

What This Debate Really Reveals About India

This controversy is about more than just working hours. It's a clash between different visions of India's future:

The "Hustle Culture" Vision

One camp sees India's rise as requiring sacrifice, discipline, and extraordinary effort. They look at China's growth story and believe that nothing worth having comes easy. The temporary discomfort of long hours is justified by the long-term payoff of a developed nation.

The "Sustainable Growth" Vision

The other camp believes India can grow without grinding its workforce into dust. They advocate for smart work, better systems, improved productivity, and quality of life that doesn't sacrifice the present for an uncertain future.

Both sides have valid points, and both sides have blind spots.

The Middle Path: What Might Actually Work

Here's a radical idea: What if the debate isn't either-or?

What if India needs:

• Quality over quantity in work hours (better 50 productive hours than 70 wasted ones)

• Systems and infrastructure upgrades (so work gets done efficiently)

• Fair compensation (pay people properly for the hours they do work)

• Flexibility (let some sectors that need it push harder while others maintain balance)

• Meritocracy (reward actual output, not just face time)

Maybe the real answer is this: Instead of asking "How many hours should Indians work?" we should ask "How do we make India more productive, competitive, and prosperous while maintaining human dignity and wellbeing?"

That's a harder question with no easy sound-bite answer, but it's probably the right one.

What Should You Do With This Information?

If you're a young professional:

• Work hard, but work smart

• Don't sacrifice your health for a paycheck

• Build skills that increase your value

• Know your worth and negotiate accordingly

• Remember that loyalty goes both ways—companies should earn your extra effort

If you're an employer:

• Lead by example

• Compensate fairly for extra hours

• Focus on productivity metrics, not seat time

• Invest in tools and training that reduce wasted effort

• Create a culture where hard work is rewarded, not exploited

If you're a policymaker:

• Strengthen labor laws and enforcement

• Invest in infrastructure that reduces inefficiency

• Focus on education and skill development

• Create an environment where businesses can thrive without exploiting workers
  

The Bottom Line

Narayana Murthy's proposal for 72-hour workweeks has reignited a crucial debate about India's path to prosperity. He's right that India needs to step up its game to compete globally. He's also probably wrong that simply working more hours is the answer.

The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in between. India needs hard work, yes, but it also needs smart work. It needs dedication, but also dignity. It needs sacrifice, but also sustainability.

China's 9-9-6 culture helped build an economic powerhouse, but it's also creating a generation of burned-out workers questioning whether it was worth it. India has the opportunity to learn from both China's successes and its mistakes.

Maybe we can build a prosperous India without sacrificing the health, happiness, and humanity of our people. That would be the real achievement—growth that's not just fast, but sustainable and equitable.

The debate will continue, and that's actually good. A nation having difficult conversations about work, value, and progress is a nation taking its future seriously.

What do you think? Should India embrace the 72-hour workweek, or is there a better path to prosperity? The answer might define what kind of country we become.