Narayana Murthy backs 72-hour weeks, cites China’s 9-9-6 rule

By Manisha Sahu | America News World

November 21, 2025

Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy has once again stirred national discussion on productivity, youth discipline, and economic competitiveness by reaffirming his belief that India must embrace longer work hours if it hopes to compete globally. In his latest remarks, Murthy referenced China’s controversial “9-9-6” work culture, arguing that countries aiming for rapid development cannot afford to prioritise work-life balance prematurely.

In 2021, China’s Supreme Court ruled the practice unlawful, though how strictly it is enforced still remains unclear, according to various media reports.

Murthy, who has frequently spoken about India’s productivity challenges, reiterated that young professionals should be prepared to work up to 72 hours a week—a standard he believes is necessary for India to transform into a strong, innovation-driven economy. His comments come amid widespread social media debate and renewed scrutiny of extreme work cultures in Asia and beyond.

Why Murthy Cites China’s 9-9-6 Model

The 9-9-6 model, practiced famously by several Chinese technology giants including Alibaba, Huawei, and JD.com at its peak, refers to employees working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. This translates into a 72-hour work week—far higher than the typical 40 to 48 hours in most developed countries.

Murthy argued that countries like China achieved extraordinary economic growth partly because of such intense work cultures, saying India must “get a life first, and then worry about work-life balance.”

“China and many other nations put in extraordinary effort during their high-growth periods,” Murthy stated during a recent event. “Young Indians must be willing to do the same if we want to transform our nation in the coming decades.”

Legal and Social Backlash in China

Despite Murthy’s admiration for the model, the 9-9-6 work schedule is not only controversial but legally disapproved in China. In 2021, the Supreme Court of China declared the practice illegal, citing violations of labor laws designed to protect employees from excessive working hours.

The ruling followed a series of high-profile incidents, including worker exhaustion, sudden deaths, and protests from China’s younger workforce who pushed back against unhealthy work expectations. Although enforcement of the ban remains uncertain—especially in fast-paced tech startups—China’s youth have increasingly resisted exploitative work demands, fueling nationwide conversations on mental health and quality of life.

Murthy acknowledged China’s legal stance but insisted that India’s path to development requires exceptional commitment from its workforce. Critics, however, argue that long hours do not necessarily translate to higher productivity.

Murthy’s Vision: Discipline, Efficiency, and National Growth

Murthy has long maintained that India must dramatically increase productivity and economic focus to compete with global powers. In several past interviews, he has called on the younger generation to take responsibility for building a stronger future.

According to him, India’s per-capita productivity remains significantly lower than that of developed nations, and bridging this gap requires an ethic of discipline, dedication, and perseverance.

“Our youth must work hard, innovate, and take bold steps,” he said. “Only then will India rise to match global expectations.”

He emphasised that the push for longer hours is not about exploitation but about nation-building—a sentiment that resonates with some but alarms others.

Critics Raise Concerns Over Health, Burnout, and Workforce Rights

Murthy’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from labor advocates, mental health experts, and working professionals who argue that expecting 72-hour work weeks is unrealistic and harmful.

Health experts warn that extended work hours are linked to burnout, chronic stress, heart disease, and reduced overall productivity. Research from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that overwork is associated with thousands of premature deaths globally each year.

Critics also argue that excessive work hours undermine creativity, a critical driver in technology and innovation sectors.

“There is a difference between hard work and unsustainable work,” an industry HR expert commented. “Pushing employees to exhaustion does not create innovation; it suppresses it.”

The Young Workforce Pushes Back

The Indian youth, especially in metro cities with booming tech sectors, have been vocal on social media since Murthy’s comments resurfaced. Many argue that companies already demand long hours without offering adequate compensation or protection.

On platforms like X and LinkedIn, thousands of users criticised the idea as outdated and unsuited to modern work dynamics that emphasize efficiency over exhaustion.

One post that went viral stated, “We need better tools, better training, and better workplaces—not longer days.”

Another user wrote, “China is moving away from 9-9-6. Why should India move toward it?”

Corporate Leaders Offer Mixed Responses

While some business leaders agree with Murthy’s view that India needs to boost productivity, others believe that rigid long-hour models are counterproductive.

A number of Indian startups have adopted flexible working models, hybrid schedules, or four-day work weeks, arguing that happier employees are more productive and loyal.

Some CEOs argue that rather than longer hours, India needs stronger infrastructure, better education, automation, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles to enhance productivity.

“Efficiency is not about how long you sit in the office,” said a Bengaluru-based tech founder. “It’s about how effectively you use the hours you have.”

A Global Shift Toward Work-Life Balance

Around the world, especially in Europe and North America, companies are increasingly embracing shorter work weeks, flexible hours, and mental health support. Several nations, including the UK, Iceland, and New Zealand, have experimented with four-day work week trials, reporting equal or higher productivity.

Even in China, the younger “996-generation” is rebelling against extreme work hours through cultural movements like “lying flat” and “let it rot,” rejecting societal pressure to overwork.

This global shift raises questions about whether India should move in the opposite direction.

The Road Ahead: Productivity vs. Well-Being

Murthy’s comments highlight a deeper debate: Should India prioritize rapid growth at the cost of personal well-being, or seek a balanced, sustainable path?

Economists argue that long work hours alone cannot transform India into a global superpower. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology are equally important.

Yet Murthy’s perspective continues to resonate with those who believe India’s demographic advantage—its vast young population—must be harnessed through rigorous work ethics.

As India navigates global competition and rapid economic change, the debate over work hours, productivity, and quality of life is likely to intensify.

For now, Murthy’s remarks serve as a reminder that India’s path to development remains a contested and evolving conversation—one that touches every working citizen and the nation’s collective future.