80 crore Indians in poverty: Infosys’ Narayana Murthy

By The Capital

On 16 Dec 2024 16:58:27

80 crore Indians in poverty: Infosys’ Narayana Murthy

• Calls for a 70-hour work per week

The Capital News

Kolkata, December 16: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has raised eyebrows yet again with his assertion that 800 million Indians are in poverty, highlighting the stark reality behind the country’s free ration system. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary event in Kolkata, Murthy stressed the urgent need for Indians to adopt a strong work ethic, including a 70-hour workweek, to tackle poverty and transform India into a global powerhouse.

“Today, 800 million Indians depend on free ration. This is a clear indication of the widespread poverty in our country. If we don’t work hard to change this, who will?” Murthy remarked, referring to the beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY).

Linking hard work to national growth Murthy reiterated his controversial call for a 70-hour workweek, first proposed in 2023, as a necessary measure to boost India’s economic growth. “At Infosys, I always insisted on comparing ourselves with the best global companies.

The gap was clear: we Indians have a lot to achieve to match global standards. Hard work is the only way forward,” he emphasized. While acknowledging the critical role of the government in supporting the poor, Murthy argued that true progress stems from entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurs create jobs, generate wealth, and pay taxes, which in turn build better infrastructure and public services. It is not the government’s job to drive entrepreneurship—it is the people’s responsibility,” he stated. Concerns over long hours Murthy’s remarks have rekindled debates over the feasibility and fairness of extended workweeks, especially in a country grappling with workplace stress and its toll on mental health.

Critics warn that pushing for a 70-hour workweek could worsen burnout and strain personal and social relationships. Despite the backlash, Murthy’s stance has found supporters, including Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, who endorsed the concept as a means to fast-track India’s growth trajectory.

During the event, Murthy praised Kolkata as “the most cultured place in the country” and used the platform to deliver his vision for a self-reliant and prosperous India. “We need to aim high, work hard, and create opportunities that can lift millions out of poverty,” he concluded.