India debates work-life balance after new Bill

Right to Disconnect Bill is called impractical, utopian, and has slim chance to become law

A Bill introduced in India's Parliament last month says employees have the right not to answer calls or e-mails after work and should not face any disciplinary action for exercising this right.
A Bill introduced in India's Parliament last month says employees have the right not to answer calls or e-mails after work and should not face any disciplinary action for exercising this right. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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Policemen in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh had a pleasant surprise earlier this month - they are finally getting a weekly day off.

The decision to grant them a weekly rest day was an election pledge that the Indian National Congress government in the state implemented after taking office last month. While police personnel were allowed annual leave, the absence of a weekly day off had taken a toll on their work-life balance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 21, 2019, with the headline India debates work-life balance after new Bill. Subscribe