Fri Jan 10 08:15:27 UTC 2025: ## L&T Chairman Defends 90-Hour Workweek Suggestion Amidst Backlash
**Mumbai, India** – Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s controversial suggestion that employees work 90 hours a week, including Sundays, has sparked a firestorm of criticism. While the company initially defended the comments as reflecting a broader ambition for national development, the statement has drawn condemnation from celebrities and the public alike.
Subrahmanyan, in a viral video message, urged employees to dedicate more time to their work, citing China’s work ethic as an example. He expressed regret that he couldn’t mandate Sunday work, stating he himself works seven days a week.
L&T issued a statement clarifying that the chairman’s remarks reflect the company’s commitment to India’s progress and its belief that achieving ambitious goals requires significant effort. The statement emphasized a company culture focused on “passion, purpose, and performance.”
However, the comments were met with widespread outrage on social media. Users compared Subrahmanyan’s statement to similar controversial remarks made by Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy regarding excessive work hours. Several high-profile figures, including Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka, publicly criticized the proposal, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and the potential for burnout. Goenka’s X post succinctly captured the sentiment: “90 hours a week? …Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential.” The intense backlash underscores a growing debate surrounding work culture and employee well-being in India.
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