Tue Sep 24 01:10:49 UTC 2024: ## Finance Minister Calls for Stress Management Lessons Amidst Outrage Over EY Employee’s Death

**New Delhi:** In the wake of the tragic death of an Ernst & Young (EY) employee, allegedly due to work pressure, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged colleges and universities to incorporate stress management lessons into their curricula. The minister, while addressing an event at a private medical college on Saturday, highlighted the importance of equipping students with the skills to handle challenging situations in the future.

Sitharaman’s comments come amidst widespread outrage over the July death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at the Pune office of EY. Perayil’s family alleges that she was overwhelmed with excessive workload, leading to sleep deprivation and poor eating habits. The incident sparked public demands for improved working conditions and a focus on employee well-being and mental health.

While acknowledging the incident without naming the victim or company, the Finance Minister stressed the need for educational institutions to teach resilience, mental well-being, and work-life balance. She argued that while academic training and securing jobs through campus recruitment are crucial, institutions must also impart life skills and values often learned within families.

Sitharaman further advocated for incorporating “divinity and spirituality” into education, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and the ability to handle pressure through faith.

The Minister’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which accuses her of “victim-blaming.” Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal condemned Sitharaman’s remarks, arguing that they ignore the plight of India’s youth, particularly those struggling with unemployment and exploitation by corporate giants. He called for a review of corporate practices and necessary reforms to protect employees.

Meanwhile, EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani denied that work pressure contributed to Perayil’s death, stating that she was assigned work similar to other employees. The company has since pledged to take measures to address concerns around work pressure at its workplaces.

The government has stated that it is investigating the work environment at EY. The incident has highlighted the ongoing debate regarding work-life balance, employee well-being, and the need for more robust support systems for young professionals navigating demanding careers.

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