With reports of the Karnataka government deciding to scrap the proposal to increase working hours, the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) called it an accomplishment of the months-long campaigns IT and ITeS employees have been organising across the State.
“Over the past one-and-a-half months, the KITU has organised widespread protests and continuous campaigns against the proposed Bill — in IT parks, on the streets, and in front of IT companies — drawing massive participation from employees. This relentless struggle compelled the Karnataka government to retreat from its attempt to extend working hours in the sector. In a meeting with the KITU office-bearers, Additional Labour Commissioner G. Manjunath communicated the decision to scrap the proposed amendment,” said a communique from Suhas Adiga, general secretary, KITU.
The union members visited the Additional Labour Commissioner’s office on Tuesday to register their concerns about a recent layoff announcement by TCS. According to them, Mr. Manjunath communicated the decision during the visit.
Reports had earlier emerged that the State government has decided to reject the Centre’s proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act of 1961 and increase working hours to nine to 10 hours a day.
When contacted by The Hindu, Mr. Manjunath noted that he was unaware whether the department Secretary had sent the email to the Government of India.
“If the State government has made the decision and the communication is going from the Secretary, the matter will end there. The Central government cannot insist on the State when it comes to matters related to labour,” he said.
Published – July 29, 2025 11:57 pm IST