Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Expresses Concern Over CA Death, Calls for Improved Work-Life Balance

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has spoken out against the sad death of an Ernst & Young employee, emphasising the importance of greater work-life balance in the business sector.

While addressing an event at a Chennai medical college, Ms Sitharaman referred to Anna Sebastian Perayil's death without mentioning Ernst & Young, where she was working. "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 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 said. "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," the Finance Minister added.

The Finance Minister's statements triggered a backlash, with social media users accusing her of making an insensitive remark without addressing the issue of a toxic workplace.

Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Shiv Sena, slammed the Finance Minister's remarks.

"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," she said.

In addition to the opposition leaders, several other social media users found the remark offensive and suggested that the government address the toxic culture in many organisations.