Five-day work week and lesser public holidays: Karnataka Minister pushes for policy

Kharge suggests that a five-day work week instead of the existing Monday to Saturday routine would lead to efficiency in work

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.Karnataka’s Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday wrote a letter to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy requesting him to implement a five-day work week for state government employees.

In his letter, Kharge suggests that a five-day work week instead of the existing Monday to Saturday routine would lead to efficiency in work.

“The Centre had brought in a five-day work week many years ago. Also, the Karnataka government has not implemented the 6th Pay Commision’s recommendation of a five-day work week. The central government has been successful after implementing the five-day work week and has built efficiency in work flow,” Kharge suggested.

He also suggested that the number of government holidays granted be reduced in order to compensate for the extra holiday per week.

“Karnataka government announces public holidays for many festivals and jayantis. We rever all of these personalities who have taught and inspired us with their work. Basavanna sad work is worship. If we have to respect his words, we too have to follow his words. By cutting down some of the government holidays we can increase the number of working days,” Priyank Kharge said.

In order to ensure that religious sentiments are unhurt, Priyank Kharge also suggested that employees could choose their public holidays based on their religious practices.

“We live in a culturally rich country with many religions. By letting employees choose which public holidays they want to opt for, we can essentially eliminate a few holidays and increase the work. This will help build productivity and will also ensure job satisfaction. Employees will look forward to working if the incentives are right,” he added.