No way victim shaming was done: FM Sitharaman on row over EY remark

The finance minister said that she had specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding and rigorous examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday took to social media platform ‘X’ to reply to the criticism on her remark on the EY employee's death, saying that she was highlighting the importance of institutions and families in helping students cope with life's pressure and there was no victim shaming. 

“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 said.

Referring to her comments made on Saturday at the talk delivered in Tamil at a deemed University on the outskirts of Chennai, Sitharaman said, “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.”

 

FM said that she 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,” she added.

FM further said, “The Union Labour Ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the tragic demise.”

Sitharaman had in an apparent reference to the death of 26-year-old chartered accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil due to alleged work pressure at EY, said families should teach the children to handle pressure through divinity.

FM had said, “What should families teach -- whatever you study and the job you do, you should have the inner strength to handle that pressure and this can be achieved through divinity only.” 

She further added, “Believe in God, we need to have God’s grace. Seek God, learn good discipline. Your Atma shakthi will grow only from this. The inner strength will come only with growing Atma Shakti,” the FM had said.

FM’s remarks drew criticism from several Opposition leaders who demanded that Sitharaman should withdraw her statement. 

Sitharaman’s comments came in response to a statement by Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha member. Chaturvedi while addressing Sitharaman in a post on X said that 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 at least try to be a little sensitive, am sure god will be the guide if you seek,” Chaturvedi’s post said.   

According to a letter written by the mother of the deceased professional to the EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Perayil was overworked with a “backbreaking” load as a new employee that affected her “physically, emotionally, and mentally.” 


Report on EY staffer death in 10 days: Minister

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said investigation is underway into the alleged “unsafe and exploitative work environment” that is said to have caused EY staffer Anna Sebastian Perayi’s death, and the report is expected in 10 days.
 

The Ministry of Labour & Employment is investigating alleged "unsafe and exploitative work environment" days after the demise of Anna Sebastian Perayil who worked with S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global.
 

Addressing a press conference, Mandaviya said, "We have already sought information from our state officials. We would be able to say anything (on the issue) only after a... report." He further stated that investigation into the issue is on and if required action will be taken.
 

"We don't have to spare the fault of the establishment. The report should be available in a week or ten days," he said.
 

Perayil was a 26-year-old chartered accountant (CA) who died allegedly due to extreme work pressure at the firm.
 

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint," Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje had said on X earlier this last week.
 

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

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

(With inputs from PTI)