NEW DELHI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded to accusations of " victim shaming " after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised her remarks about the death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil , who reportedly died due to extreme work pressure at Ernst & Young ( EY ).
Chaturvedi took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing Sitharaman of insensitivity in her comments. "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 and 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," she wrote.
Sitharaman clarified that her remarks were misunderstood and that she never intended to blame the victim. "I referred to this matter in a talk at a deemed university near Chennai. I specifically mentioned that after clearing a rigorous examination like CA, the stress became unbearable for her. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor the firm. I was speaking about the importance of building inner strength for students in such demanding environments," she explained on X.
She also emphasized that her comments were about the need for institutions and families to offer better support to young professionals, adding, "With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support children, and in no way was victim shaming done nor intended."
Sitharaman further noted that the Union labour ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the alleged exploitative work culture at EY, which is said to have contributed to Anna's untimely death.
Anna’s father, Sibi Joseph, shed light on the challenging work conditions his daughter faced at EY. “She had to work late into the night, and even after reaching her PG (paying guest accommodation), she had to continue with additional work that wasn’t even related to her job,” he said. He revealed that Anna struggled to sleep and eat due to the intense work pressure and often cried during phone calls, saying she couldn't handle the overwhelming stress.
Despite her family urging her to resign, Anna chose to continue at EY, citing the valuable exposure she was gaining. However, tragedy struck on July 21 when she collapsed in her room and passed away before reaching the hospital.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi has since visited the family and promised to raise the issue in Parliament.
Chaturvedi took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing Sitharaman of insensitivity in her comments. "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 and 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," she wrote.
Dear Nirmala Sitaraman ji,
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) September 23, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/HP9vMrX3qR
Sitharaman clarified that her remarks were misunderstood and that she never intended to blame the victim. "I referred to this matter in a talk at a deemed university near Chennai. I specifically mentioned that after clearing a rigorous examination like CA, the stress became unbearable for her. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor the firm. I was speaking about the importance of building inner strength for students in such demanding environments," she explained on X.
She also emphasized that her comments were about the need for institutions and families to offer better support to young professionals, adding, "With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support children, and in no way was victim shaming done nor intended."
Dear @priyankac19,
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 23, 2024
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,…
Sitharaman further noted that the Union labour ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the alleged exploitative work culture at EY, which is said to have contributed to Anna's untimely death.
Anna’s father, Sibi Joseph, shed light on the challenging work conditions his daughter faced at EY. “She had to work late into the night, and even after reaching her PG (paying guest accommodation), she had to continue with additional work that wasn’t even related to her job,” he said. He revealed that Anna struggled to sleep and eat due to the intense work pressure and often cried during phone calls, saying she couldn't handle the overwhelming stress.
Despite her family urging her to resign, Anna chose to continue at EY, citing the valuable exposure she was gaining. However, tragedy struck on July 21 when she collapsed in her room and passed away before reaching the hospital.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi has since visited the family and promised to raise the issue in Parliament.
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