Assam: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has openly criticized Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s proposal for a 70-hour workweek, urging a more nuanced approach to work-life balance that reflects evolving gender roles and societal norms.
Murthy’s remarks at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, which framed long hours as vital for India’s economic growth, have sparked a national conversation on productivity and well-being.
Taking to social media platform X, Gogoi expressed his disagreement with Murthy’s stance, emphasizing that work-life balance is a fundamental issue tied to household responsibilities and gender equity. “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’s remarks highlight the need for shared domestic responsibilities, challenging traditional norms where women often bear the brunt of balancing professional and personal roles. He called for men to actively participate in caregiving and household tasks, advocating for a cultural shift toward greater equality at home and work.
“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 added, framing work-life balance as a collective responsibility that transcends gender.
Murthy’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the correlation between longer hours and productivity. Many have pointed to global trends favoring shorter workweeks, with evidence suggesting enhanced efficiency and well-being. One user on X summed up the sentiment, stating, “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 broadened the debate, urging policymakers and business leaders to consider the human and social dimensions of workplace culture. His emphasis on gender equity and holistic well-being resonates in a world increasingly valuing flexible work arrangements and shared responsibilities.
The discussion comes at a time when India’s workforce is grappling with the demands of economic growth while navigating changing expectations around personal fulfillment and equality. Gogoi’s critique serves as a call for a balanced approach that values both professional ambition and the pursuit of a well-rounded life.
Read More: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Pushes for Urgent Debate on Adani Allegations in Lok Sabha