New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of Anna Sebastian, an Ernst and Young employee, allegedly due to excessive work pressure.In a statement, the commission expressed concern. They said that if the reports are accurate, they highlight major issues related to the mental and physical well-being of young professionals.
The NHRC also said that employees face severe stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation as they strive to meet unrealistic targets and deadlines, which lead to serious violations of human rights. The panel said that it is the primary responsibility of every employer to provide a safe, secure and positive work environment for their employees. Employers must ensure that all personnel are treated with dignity and fairness.
Labour Ministry vows action
The human rights group’s response followed remarks by Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya, who promised action based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. “Whether in a white-collar job or any other occupation, the death of a citizen is always tragic. The matter is being looked into, and appropriate action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the probe,” Mandaviya said as quoted by ANI. The Ministry of Labour had earlier announced that it had taken up the complaint.
NHRC urges corporates to ensure accountability
The NHRC urged businesses to take “accountability” for addressing human rights concerns and to regularly review and update their work and employment policies to ensure compliance with global human rights standards. Anna Sebastian Perayil, who cleared her CA exams in 2023, had been employed at EY’s Pune office for four months before her untimely death.
The mother of Anna wrote a letter to the employer, in which she alleged that her daughter’s extended work hours had severely impacted her physical, emotional and mental health, an accusation the company has denied.
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