The Karnataka government has confirmed that there will be no changes to IT shift timings despite protests from IT employees’ unions regarding the proposal to extend working hours. Karnataka Information Technology-Biotechnology Secretary Ekroop Caur clarified that the shift will remain at nine hours, addressing concerns about the extension.
Speaking at Moneycontrol’s Startup Conclave in Bengaluru, Caur explained that the proposal, which had been misinterpreted, was intended to offer flexibility rather than enforce a longer workday. “We are allowing up to 12-hour workdays with a cap on overtime hours per quarter, but this does not translate to a 14-hour workday. The 14-hour span includes a two-hour break,” she said.
The proposal’s aim was to address industry demands while maintaining employee welfare. Caur emphasized that Karnataka’s break policy differs from other states, providing a one-hour break every five hours of work, unlike the half-hour break typically seen elsewhere. This setup ensures adequate rest without extending work hours excessively.
The Labour Department will oversee the implementation to prevent employee hardship and ensure flexibility aligns with global industry needs. Caur reassured that the proposal does not impose a blanket change but allows specific industries to seek permission for extended hours if needed.
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