Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Better Work Conditions Following Tragic Death of EY Employee

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences to the family of a deceased EY employee, promising to improve work conditions in India. The All India Professionals Congress will launch a helpline to address work stress issues, following Gandhi's call for an awareness movement in the victim's memory.

Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday extended his sympathies to the family members of a 26-year-old EY employee who reportedly died due to work-related stress. Gandhi assured them he would champion the cause of improving working conditions for millions of professionals in India.

Following Gandhi's directive, the All India Professionals Congress (AIPC) plans to launch a helpline to gather information from corporate professionals on stress and toxic work environments. According to an official statement, Gandhi spoke to Anna Sebastian's parents via video call, arranged by AIPC Chairman Praveen Chakravarty during his visit to their Kochi home.

In his conversation, Gandhi praised the family's bravery in addressing such a sensitive issue during a challenging time. He emphasized his commitment to their cause and instructed AIPC to create an awareness movement in Anna's memory for all working professionals in India. The AIPC aims to draft guidelines for improved working conditions based on feedback collected.

Anna Sebastian's father, Sibi Joseph, mentioned that MP Suresh Gopi promised to raise the issue in Parliament. Anna, who worked at EY's Pune office for four months, tragically passed away on July 20. She had expressed feelings of overwhelming stress before her untimely death, leading to a national conversation about work-life balance and mental health.

EY has issued a statement expressing deep sadness over her death and assuring that they are taking the family's concerns seriously. The consultancy firm affirmed its commitment to employee well-being and pledged ongoing support to Anna's family.

The incident has ignited a debate on corporate accountability and the importance of mental health, with experts urging employers to view workers as human beings rather than machines.

(With inputs from agencies.)