'Build Inner Strength for Students': FM Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights Importance of Institutions, Families to Support Children

Expressing grief over the tragic loss of EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support the children. She also informed that the Union labour ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the tragic demise.

The comments come after Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who is a member of Shiv Sena (UBT), mentioned the finance minister over her remark that students should have inner strength to handle pressure.

In a post on X, Chaturvedi said, “Dear Nirmala Sitaraman ji, Anna had inner strength to handle the stress that came with pursuing a gruelling Chartered Accountancy degree. It was the toxic work culture, long work hours that took away her life which needs to be addressed. Stop victim shaming and atleast try to be a little sensitive, am sure god will be the guide if you seek.”

Replying to this, the finance minister said, “Dear Priyanka Chaturvedi, Had referred to this matter in a talk delivered in Tamil at a deemed University on the outskirts of Chennai. Had specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding and rigorous examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor of the firm.”

“The University has set up a Meditation Hall and a place of worship for all its students and faculty. It is in this context that I spoke on how it is necessary to build inner strength for students,” Sitharaman said.

She also said the Union Labour Ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the tragic demise.

“With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support the children, and in no way victim shaming was done nor intended, even remotely,” Sitharaman added.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, who passed her CA exams in 2023, worked at EY Pune office for four months before she succumbed. Earlier this month, her mother wrote to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani flagging the “glorification” of overwork at the multinational consulting firm.

Last week, EY issued a statement stating, “We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024.”

Since the death, EY has been in touch with the family, helping them but it is only now that her family has chosen to write to the company, complaining about the “excessive workload”, it had said.

EY has said it will continue to improve and provide a healthy workplace in its offices throughout the country.

“Anna was a part of the audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,” the EY said in the statement.