Narayana Murthy Revives 72-Hour Week Idea: What India Thinks About China’s 9-9-6 Culture

Narayana Murthy’s Stand on Extreme Working Hours: Reactions, Reality, and the Debate Around the 72-Hour Week Inspired by China’s 9-9-6 Rule

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has once again triggered a heated national discussion after reinforcing his long-standing view that young Indians should commit to a 72-hour work week. This time, his remarks gained even more attention as he cited China’s controversial 9-9-6 work culture—working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week—as an example of the effort needed to compete globally. His statement reopened debates on work-life balance, employee burnout, and India’s evolving corporate culture.

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Murthy’s View: Progress Demands Effort and Discipline

In a recent interview, Murthy explained that one belief has guided him throughout his career: progress is impossible without hard work. He stated that no society or country has ever advanced without a strong work ethic. He also repeated his earlier stance that individuals must first “get a life and then worry about work-life balance,” suggesting that the early stages of a career require exceptional commitment. While emphasising dedication, Murthy used China’s 9-9-6 model as a point of reference to show how other nations push their workforce for rapid growth.

Why China’s 9-9-6 Work Routine Was Mentioned

Murthy shared an example of Catamaran’s mid and senior-level staff who visited China to study its real work environment. He explained that in many Chinese cities, the norm was the 9-9-6 rule—9 AM to 9 PM for six days—totaling 72 hours weekly. He argued that such intensive work culture has contributed to China’s rapid development. Murthy also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reportedly 100-hour work schedule as an inspirational model for young professionals looking to build their careers.

Strong Online Backlash: ‘We Are Humans, Not Machines’

As soon as his comments went viral, social media platforms were flooded with reactions—many critical, some sarcastic, and others emphasising the need for humane work conditions. One user compared it with Europe’s work-life-friendly routine, highlighting their “10-5-5” lifestyle where people enjoy personal time, leisure, and health. Another pointed out a harsh reality: many Indians already spend extremely long hours not just at work but also stuck in traffic. Several users argued that low salaries, minimal raises, and lack of support make such expectations unreasonable. Sarcasm also poured in, with comments like: “Who needs sleep when you have deadlines and chai?” Others questioned the salary gap between Indian and Chinese employees, saying longer hours could only be justified if compensation matched global standards.

Deeper Issues Raised by Citizens

Many pointed out that India lacks the infrastructure, balanced work culture, and mental health frameworks needed to sustain such intense schedules. People argued that pushing for longer hours won’t fix core structural issues like poor wages, limited career growth, or exploitative workplace practices. Another user stated that if companies expect employees to work 12 hours a day, they must provide fair compensation, incentives, and a safe mental environment—emphasising the need for respect and humanity in workplaces.

Understanding China’s 9-9-6 Rule and Why It Became Controversial

China’s 9-9-6 rule became popular among tech companies during the early years of massive industry expansion. It was publicly supported by business leaders like Jack Ma, who considered it a badge of dedication. However, over time, growing criticism labeled it as exploitative and unsafe. In 2021, the Chinese government stepped in, declaring such work schedules illegal after rising concerns and tragic incidents, including the death of a 22-year-old employee at Pinduoduo. Despite official labour laws limiting daily and weekly working hours, many companies still push extended schedules due to weak enforcement and low wages, making overtime a necessity for workers.

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India’s Work Future: A Question of Balance, Not Just Hours

The conversation sparked by Murthy’s comments reveals the tension between ambition and quality of life. While discipline and effort are essential for national growth, many believe that India needs structural reforms, fair earnings, and improved workplace culture more than longer work hours. The debate highlights a deeper question: Should progress come at the cost of well-being, or can India aim for growth that respects both productivity and people?

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