GUWAHATI: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly criticized Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour workweek, advocating for a more balanced approach that takes into account shifting gender roles and societal expectations.
Murthy’s comments at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, where he emphasized long working hours as crucial for India’s economic growth, have ignited a nationwide debate on the relationship between productivity and personal well-being.
On the social media platform X, Gogoi voiced his disagreement with Murthy’s viewpoint, highlighting that work-life balance is a critical issue closely linked to household responsibilities and gender equality.
“I respectfully disagree with the view of Narayana Murthy on work-life balance,” Gogoi wrote. “What is life but looking after your children, cooking for them, teaching them, taking care of your elderly parents, being there for your friends in their times of need, [and] making sure that your house is in order? The above is just as much a man’s job as it is a woman’s,” Gogoi added.
The Jorhat MP's comments emphasize the importance of shared domestic responsibilities, challenging traditional norms where women are typically expected to balance professional and personal roles. He urged men to take a more active role in care-giving and household duties, calling for a cultural shift toward greater equality both at home and in the workplace.
“Traditionally, working women don’t even have the choice to cut away life from work. It is a luxury that men have historically enjoyed but one they must forego in the modern world,” Gogoi further emphasized that work-life balance should be viewed as a collective responsibility that goes beyond gender.
Murthy’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the link between longer working hours and increased productivity. Many have highlighted global trends supporting shorter work-weeks, citing evidence that suggests improved efficiency and well-being.
One user on X captured the sentiment, saying, “Employees are not slaves. Working longer hours doesn’t mean better productivity. Several countries have switched to a 4-day workweek and are doing better. Women don’t have the luxury of working 70/80 hours a week either.”
Gogoi’s intervention has expanded the conversation, urging policymakers and business leaders to factor in the human and social aspects of workplace culture. His focus on gender equity and overall well-being aligns with a growing global shift toward valuing flexible work arrangements and shared responsibilities.
This debate emerges at a time when India’s workforce is balancing the pressures of economic growth with evolving expectations around personal fulfillment and equality. Gogoi’s critique calls for a more balanced approach that equally prioritizes professional ambition and the pursuit of a well-balanced life.
ALSO READ: Assam: Speed up Process to Accord ST Status to Six Communities: MP Gaurav Gogoi
ALSO WATCH: