Victory for techies: Karnataka govt drops IT/ITeS increase in working hours 

Bengaluru

In a major win for tech sector employees, the Karnataka government has withdrawn its proposal to increase working hours in the IT/ITeS industry, following sustained protests led by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU).

The move came after over a month of resistance by KITU—the only registered union for IT employees in the state. Employees across Bengaluru participated in large numbers in street protests, workplace campaigns, and IT park demonstrations. The union’s key opposition was to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aimed to modify the 1961 Act and extend working hours in the sector.

The proposed amendment was introduced during a stakeholder meeting organised by the Labour Department on June 18. KITU strongly objected to the bill, labelling it a violation of personal rights and a direct threat to employee well-being. The union vowed to block any move to push through the legislation.

KITU’s campaign eventually led to a breakthrough during a recent meeting between union representatives and Additional Labour Commissioner G. Manjunath, who officially communicated the government’s decision to drop the amendment.

“This is a victory for all IT/ITeS workers who stood in unity,” said Suhas Adiga, General Secretary of KITU. The union extended gratitude to central trade unions, organisations, and supporters who rallied to protect the hard-earned rights of the workforce.

The rollback marks a turning point in labour advocacy within Karnataka’s booming IT sector, signaling the strength of collective employee action in influencing policy.