Karnataka IT minister Priyank Kharge says 14-hour workday was limited to specific industries

BENGALURU: IT, BT and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that the concept of a 14-hour workday was not applicable to all IT and ITeS companies and was limited to specific industries. He also alleged that companies engaged in semiconductor manufacturing were diverting to Gujarat after getting “a phone call from Delhi”.

Replying to a question by JDS MLC Thippeswamy KA on investments by semiconductor industries in the state, the minister said many companies that were interested in investing in other states turned towards Gujarat after a phone call from Delhi. Supporting his claim, Industries Minister MB Patil highlighted the role of the central government in giving a push to investment in that state.