Subhechcha Ganguly 
Karnataka’s recent proposal to introduce a 12-hour workday has stirred widespread reactions across social media, with memes flooding platforms and sparking humorous outrage. The state government is reportedly considering amending the Factories Act to allow companies to extend daily work hours from 8 to 12, citing increased productivity and global competitiveness as key motivations.
However, the internet had other plans. Netizens responded with a wave of sarcasm, jokes, and memes—many of which referenced Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who had earlier suggested young Indians should work 70 hours a week to help boost the nation’s progress. One viral post read, “Narayana Murthy must be dancing,” while another joked, “India is not a country anymore; it’s a corporate office.”
Critics have voiced concerns about worker burnout, potential exploitation, and the lack of compensation clarity for overtime. Trade unions and labor rights groups have opposed the move, warning that it could roll back decades of hard-won labor protections.
While the proposal is still under review, the digital backlash reflects growing public unease with policies that appear to prioritize productivity over people. As the debate continues, the Karnataka government has said it will engage in further consultations before finalizing any changes.
