Need God's Grace To...": Row Over Minister's Remark On EY Staff's Death

Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, remarked on the death of Ernst & Young Global Limited’s executive. Her remark was addressed as insensitive in this matter as she didn’t mention the issues of the workplace. The girl who died was a 26-year-old CA (Chartered Accountant), who reportedly died due to work pressure. 

Read the blog to learn about the Minister’s remark on the death of the young CA girl.

Nirmala Sitharaman Remark on EY Staff’s Death 2024

Nirmala Sitharaman recently remarked on Anna Sebastian Perayil's death, who was working as a CA at Ernst & Young Global Limited. She didn’t mention anything about the company in her remark. She stated that the people of this generation should enhance their inner strength and know how to cope with work pressure. 

As per her, this can be only achieved through Divinity. The social media users and opposition leaders termed her remarks as insensitive. Sitharaman stated:

"Our children go to colleges and universities for education and come out with flying colours. A company, without mentioning its name, it's a partnership. There, a woman who had studied CA well (was) unable to cope with the work pressure. Two-three days ago, we received news -- she died unable to cope with the pressure."

She further added:

"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. Believe in God, we need to have God's grace. Seek God, and learn good discipline. Your Atmashakti will grow only from this. The inner strength will come only with growing Atmashakti." 

She ended her remark with:

"Educational institutions should bring in divinity and spirituality. Then only will our children get the inner strength, it will help in their progress and that of the country. That is my strong belief."

What were the reactions to Sitharamn’s Remark?

The social media users targeted India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs for making insensitive remarks by mentioning anything related to the issues of the workplace.

Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena, stated:

"Dear Nirmala Sitaraman ji, Anna had (the) 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."

P Santosh Kumar, CPI MP, also blamed the finance minister for "belittling and demeaning everyday struggles of working people across the country". 

He stated:

"Over-work, inhuman working conditions, pervasive unemployment and lack of social security are creating stress and insecurity among workers, particularly the younger sections of our workforce across occupations. Instead of addressing these structural concerns, the finance minister's advice to 'rely on God' is bizarre and insensitive."

Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Labour, stated:

"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. @mansukhmandviya." 

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, highlighted the issue and stated:

"Tragically cut short by toxic and unforgiving work conditions. I have promised Anna's family my commitment, along with the full support of the Congress party, to ensure that this tragedy becomes a catalyst for change." 

How did Perayil’s Family React?

The death case of Anna Sebastian Perayil highlighted the change the work pressure brings to the well-being of employees. Anita Augustine, victim’s mother wrote to her company & Rajiv Memani. She specified that her daughter died after 4 months of joining the organization. She also mentioned that the company’s work atmosphere "seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human being behind the role".

The victim’s mother stated:

"Anna would return to her room utterly exhausted, sometimes collapsing on the bed without even changing her clothes, only to be bombarded with messages asking for more reports. She was putting in her best efforts, working very hard to meet the deadlines. She was a fighter to the core, not someone to give up easily. We told her to quit, but she wanted to learn and gain new exposure. However, the overwhelming pressure proved too much even for her."

How did the Ernst & Young Global Limited Company React?

The company expressed regret over Anna’s death and took the family’s affinity with the "utmost seriousness and humility".

Rajiv Memani, in his LinkedIn statement, posted:

"I am deeply saddened and as a father, I can only imagine Ms Augustine's grief. I have conveyed my deepest condolences to the family, although nothing can fill the void in their lives. I would like to affirm that the well-being of our people is my top-most priority and I will personally champion this objective. I am absolutely committed to nurturing a harmonious workplace, and I will not rest until that objective is accomplished."

Conclusion

The Union Labour Ministry has started the inquiry into the claims of an unsafe work environment in the organizations. If you liked the information in the article, you can bookmark our site and stay updated with current affairs.