Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve has highlighted the potential of technology, including Artificial Intelligence, in effectively reducing working hours while enhancing productivity. In a recent interaction, Rajeeve underlined Kerala's strong productivity figures, which he attributes to the effective utilization of technology.
Addressing ongoing debates surrounding work-hour durations, the senior leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has been governing the state continuously for almost nine years, emphasized, "Working less, you will get more—that is the utilisation of technology. We are not touching the existing laws in Kerala."
Recounting an example, Rajeeve noted how IBM initially planned to recruit only 100 people in Kerala but ended up hiring more than 1,500 employees due to the exceptional productivity of the local talent. "These people developed two successful tools in one year, one for Facebook and one for Delta Airlines," Rajeeve added.
However, Rajeeve insisted that the global trend, driven by technological advancements, is towards fewer working hours without compromising output. "By utilising technology in the right manner, we can reduce man hours. The strength of Kerala is—whether it is 6, 7, or 8 hours—productivity is higher than in other parts of the world," he stated.
Highlighting the state’s commitment towards balanced growth, Rajeeve explained that Kerala’s industrial policy revolves around three core elements: "nature, people, and industry."
Responding to queries about aligning Left ideologies with economic liberalisation, Rajeeve clarified, "We are working in the system, and we are trying to implement an alternative within the system, not an alternative to the system." He stressed that Kerala's industrial strategy prioritizes inclusivity, with special attention to small businesses, knowledge-driven enterprises, and tech industries.
Despite some disagreements with the central government, particularly regarding borrowing limits, Rajeeve said Kerala continues efforts to secure the Centre’s support.
Addressing ongoing debates surrounding work-hour durations, the senior leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has been governing the state continuously for almost nine years, emphasized, "Working less, you will get more—that is the utilisation of technology. We are not touching the existing laws in Kerala."
Kerala's Focus on Productivity and Technology
Rajeeve, speaking after the successful Investor Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) held in Kochi, said Kerala attracted expressions of interest totalling approximately ₹1.53 lakh crore. He emphasized that streamlined procedures and minimal bureaucratic hurdles have become the hallmark of Kerala's approach to industrial investment.Recounting an example, Rajeeve noted how IBM initially planned to recruit only 100 people in Kerala but ended up hiring more than 1,500 employees due to the exceptional productivity of the local talent. "These people developed two successful tools in one year, one for Facebook and one for Delta Airlines," Rajeeve added.
Contrasting Views on Working Hours
Rajeeve’s remarks come at a time when industry leaders like Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy have proposed extended working hours—Murthy suggesting a 70-hour week, while Larsen and Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan proposed a 90-hour week.However, Rajeeve insisted that the global trend, driven by technological advancements, is towards fewer working hours without compromising output. "By utilising technology in the right manner, we can reduce man hours. The strength of Kerala is—whether it is 6, 7, or 8 hours—productivity is higher than in other parts of the world," he stated.
Kerala’s Industrial Potential and Policy
The minister also addressed persistent misconceptions about Kerala's investment climate, dismissing allegations of widespread trade union strikes, militancy, and bureaucratic inefficiency as misconceptions. He pointed out that Kerala alone contributes 24% of India's medical device industry turnover, reflecting its robust industrial capacity.Highlighting the state’s commitment towards balanced growth, Rajeeve explained that Kerala’s industrial policy revolves around three core elements: "nature, people, and industry."
Responding to queries about aligning Left ideologies with economic liberalisation, Rajeeve clarified, "We are working in the system, and we are trying to implement an alternative within the system, not an alternative to the system." He stressed that Kerala's industrial strategy prioritizes inclusivity, with special attention to small businesses, knowledge-driven enterprises, and tech industries.
Despite some disagreements with the central government, particularly regarding borrowing limits, Rajeeve said Kerala continues efforts to secure the Centre’s support.
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