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Journalism of Courage
Amid row over her previous comments made in reference to the recent death of a young CA professional, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Monday clarified that her remarks were not meant for ‘victim shaming’.
Responding to a post on X by Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi where she had criticised the FM’s views, Sitharaman said: “With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support the children, and in no way victim shaming was done nor intended, even remotely.”
On Saturday, Sitharaman, while speaking an event at a private medical college, had referred to the incident where 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a CA from Kerala, died four months into her job at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune. Her mother in a letter to EY India chairman had alleged that her daughter had died due to “work pressure and long work hours”, sparking a nationwide debate.
According to PTI, Sitharaman in her speech at the event, said: “…was discussing an issue that is in the news for the past two days…a woman who had studied CA well, unable to cope with the work pressure, two-three days ago we received a news — she died unable to cope up with the pressure.” The FM, however, didn’t name the employee or her the company she worked for.
The comment also drew considerable flak with the Congress accusing the ruling regime and the FM of overlooking “the pain of the hardworking and toiling young generation”.
Sena leader Chaturvedi also lashed out at the minister on X and wrote: “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 at least try to be a little sensitive, am sure god will be the guide if you seek.”
Responding to her criticism, Sitharaman said: “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, neither of the lady nor of the firm. The University has set up a Meditation Hall and a place of worship for all its students and faculty. It is in this context that I spoke on how it is necessary to build inner strength for students.”
The Union minister added that the Union Labour Ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the demise.
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