Karnataka government has stirred widespread debate with its proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, potentially allowing 12-hour workdays in the state, including in Bengaluru—India’s largest IT hub.
The move, aimed at aligning state labour laws with Union government directives, has triggered strong opposition from employee unions, particularly in the IT/ITeS and BPO sectors, who fear the change could erode worker rights and well-being.
What the Proposal Entails for Bengaluru
The draft amendment, circulated by the Labour Department of Karnataka, proposes to:
- Increase the daily working hour limit from 9 to 10 hours, excluding breaks.
- Permit up to 12 hours of work per day, including overtime.
- Raise the quarterly overtime cap from 50 hours to 144 hours.
- Allow companies to adopt a two-shift system instead of the current three-shift model.
The government has clarified that the weekly cap of 48 working hours will remain unchanged, and the proposed 10-hour workday includes a one-hour rest interval, keeping active work time at 9 hours.
Government’s Justification
Labour Minister Santosh Lad defended the proposal, stating that it complies with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and does not violate any international conventions.
He emphasized that the amendment is intended to increase operational flexibility for businesses while maintaining safeguards for workers.
The proposal was discussed in a stakeholder meeting on June 18, 2025, with industry representatives, labour unions, and government officials in attendance.
Union Backlash and Worker Concerns
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has strongly opposed the move, calling it an attempt to normalize exploitative work hours.
In a public statement, KITU warned that the amendment could:
- Lead to increased stress and burnout among tech workers.
- Result in job losses, as companies may reduce shifts and lay off workers.
- Undermine work-life balance and employee morale.
KITU urged the entire working class to resist the proposal, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over employee welfare.
Bengaluru 12-Hour Workday: Health and Productivity Implications
Experts have raised red flags about the mental and physical toll of extended work hours.
A report by The Indian Express highlighted that beyond eight hours of cognitive labour, productivity declines sharply, and risks of burnout, anxiety, and emotional fatigue increase.
Clinical psychologists warn that institutionalizing 12-hour workdays could lead to a public health crisis, especially among young professionals already grappling with high-pressure environments.
Comparative Context and Exemptions
The Karnataka government cited similar amendments in BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to justify its proposal.
Additionally, the amendment would exempt establishments with fewer than 10 employees from filing annual returns, potentially reducing regulatory oversight for small businesses.
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