'Cannot Overlook Establishment's Faults': Mansukh Mandaviya As Labour Ministry Seeks Report On EY Employee's Death

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Monday (23 September) that an investigation is underway into the alleged "unsafe and exploitative work environment" linked to the death of EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil.

The report is expected within seven to 10 days, after which the government will consider necessary action. The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the investigation following Anna's tragic death and has sought information from state authorities.

At a press conference, Mandaviya stated, "We have requested information from state officials and will release further details after reviewing the report." He added that the investigation is ongoing and, if warranted, appropriate action will be taken.

"We cannot overlook the establishment's faults. The report should be available within a week or ten days," Mandaviya said referring to the death of the 26-year-old chartered accountant (CA) allegedly due to extreme work pressure at the firm.

On 21 September, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the incident and issued a notice to the Labour Ministry for a detailed report within four weeks.

The investigation comes amid increasing demands from the Opposition for better working conditions in the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with Anna's parents and assured them he would fight for reforms in the IT work culture.

Anna had joined EY as an audit and assurance executive just four months before her passing. Her mother, Anita, wrote a letter detailing how the workload had severely affected Anna's mental health, leading to anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress.

Anita concluded the letter by urging EY to reflect on its work culture and live up to the values it professes, calling for meaningful steps to prioritise employee health and wellness, The New Indian Express reported.