On Oct 27, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the India‑Netherlands Business Forum in Mumbai, pitching the country's workforce to Dutch investors. He emphasized that Indians are willing to work long hours, suggesting that professional boundaries around working time are not a defining feature of Indian work culture.
Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram criticized the minister on X, calling the remarks "ridiculous" and accusing the government of disrespecting workers.
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union issued a statement on Oct 28, condemning the comments as glorification of excessive work and warning that normalising such practices could erode employee dignity, health and personal life.
The remarks have reignited debate over work‑life balance and labor protections, with critics arguing that long hours should be addressed as workplace concerns rather than competitive advantages.
The union has demanded a review of labor laws, and the government is expected to respond in upcoming parliamentary discussions.