Bangalore, June 21, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Karnataka government has introduced a 48-hour weekly work limit for IT and tech employees. This major labor reform aims to combat burnout and create healthier work environments in India’s Silicon Valley. Here’s everything you need to know about how this change affects you.
Key Changes Under Karnataka’s New IT Work Hour Rules
✔ Strict 48-Hour Weekly Cap – Companies must ensure employees work no more than:
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8 hours/day (6-day week) OR
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9.6 hours/day (5-day week)
✔ Mandatory Overtime Pay – Any extra hours worked must be compensated at double the regular wage
✔ Guaranteed Breaks – Employees get a 30-minute break after every 5 hours of work
✔ Safer Night Shifts – Enhanced security and transport protections for women working late hours
Why This Matters for IT Professionals
Karnataka’s decision comes after years of complaints about:
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Unregulated overtime (many IT employees work 60-70 hour weeks)
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Unpaid extra hours (often dismissed as “part of the job”)
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Chronic stress and burnout in the tech sector
How This Affects Different Stakeholders
👨💻 Employees Gain:
✅ Better work-life balance
✅ Legal protection against overwork
✅ Fair compensation for overtime
🏢 Companies Must Adapt:
📌 May need to hire additional staff
📌 Must implement proper time-tracking systems
📌 Need to revise payroll for overtime payments
💡 Job Seekers Benefit:
🔹 More openings as firms expand teams
🔹 Healthier workplace expectations
3 Immediate Actions You Should Take
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Review Your Employment Contract – Ensure it complies with the new rules
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Start Tracking Your Hours – Document extra work to claim overtime pay
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Know Your Rights – Report violations to Karnataka’s labor department
Potential Challenges Ahead
⚠️ Enforcement Issues – Will WFH hours be properly tracked?
⚠️ Project Deadlines – Companies may need to adjust timelines
⚠️ Salary Structures – Some firms might try to bypass overtime rules
What Experts Are Saying
“This is a watershed moment for India’s IT sector. While implementation may face hurdles, it sets a precedent for employee welfare nationwide.”
– Labor Law Specialist, NLSIU Bangalore
Compliance Timeline
⏳ July 2025 – Registration opens for companies
⏳ September 2025 – Full implementation deadline
⏳ December 2025 – First government audits begin
Penalties for Non-Compliance
❌ ₹50,000 fine for first violation
❌ ₹2 lakh/day for repeat offenses
❌ Possible license suspension
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page – we’ll update it as more details emerge!