The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) India, has sparked widespread outrage and concern. The young woman, who joined the company in March 2024, passed away on July 20 after experiencing severe exhaustion. Her death has been attributed to excessive work pressure, leading to an investigation by the Indian government.
The situation gained widespread attention when a heartfelt letter from Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, went viral. In her letter addressed to EY India’s head, Augustine detailed the intense work pressure her daughter faced.
She described how the relentless demands and extended work hours contributed to Anna’s deteriorating health and eventual death. Augustine also noted with distress that no representatives from EY attended her daughter’s funeral.
Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje announced on Thursday that the government is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anna’s death.
The minister emphasised the need to address allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment at EY India. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss and affirmed the Labour Ministry’s commitment to seeking justice.
The news of Anna’s death and the subsequent investigation have also drawn reactions from other political figures. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar described the situation as deeply saddening and troubling.
He called for a probe into the allegations of exploitative practices at EY India. Similarly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar highlighted the growing issue of young people suffering from stress-related deaths and urged EY to take corrective measures.
Anna Sebastian Perayil had joined EY in March 2024 and was a member of the audit team at the company’s Pune office. Despite her enthusiasm and dedication to her job, the extreme work pressure she encountered led to severe health issues. Her condition was reportedly exacerbated by the demanding work environment, which included long hours and high expectations.
In response to the unfolding situation, EY India has pledged to prioritise employee well-being and to address the concerns raised. The company stated that it is committed to creating a healthier work environment for its staff.
With a workforce of over 100,000 across its Indian member firms, EY aims to implement measures to enhance workplace conditions and support its employees better.
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