Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy challenges Indians to adopt a 70-hour work week, drawing parallels with post-World War II Japan and Germany where citizens worked longer hours for enhanced national output.
Output Determined by Aggregate Demand
Output and Labor Dynamics: Output relies on aggregate demand (AD); labor demand is contingent on AD changes, crucial for employment assurance.
Goods and Services Demand: The labor market's vitality is intricately linked to demand for goods and services, influencing employment patterns.
Case of South Korea and Economic Strategies
Historical Context of Working Hours: Historical cases like South Korea, driven by coercion and public funding, may not be directly applicable to India's market economy.
Global Market and Competitiveness: Leveraging global markets requires globally competitive goods, emphasizing the importance of workforce productivity and infrastructure.
Domestic Market Expansion: Growing the domestic market involves increasing agricultural productivity to boost real incomes, stimulating demand for non-agricultural goods and fostering overall economic growth.
Challenges and Policy Considerations
Formal Sector and 70-Hour Workweek: The 70-hour workweek proposal targets the formal sector, demanding legal safeguards to ensure fair working conditions.
Informal Sector Challenges: India's informal sector already experiences long hours; legal intervention is essential for better conditions, higher wages, and improved labor rights.
Productivity and Domestic Demand: Prioritizing productivity and expanding the domestic market are key strategies for sustainable economic growth and increased employment opportunities.