NHRC Probes Chartered Accountant's Death, Calls for Work Culture Reforms

NHRC investigates the death of a young chartered accountant in Pune, allegedly due to excessive work. Notices issued to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment for a detailed report. The Commission urges businesses to revise work policies in line with global human rights standards.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala, reportedly due to excessive workload in Pune. The Commission has demanded a detailed report from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment within four weeks.

The NHRC has urged businesses to reassess their work culture, employment policies, and regulations to ensure they align with global human rights standards. The company in question, Ernst & Young, has denied any wrongdoing, despite allegations by the victim's mother that long hours severely impacted her daughter's health.

The Commission notes that the media reports raise serious issues concerning the physical and mental health challenges young professionals face. It stressed that employers have a duty to provide a safe and positive work environment. The response from the Labour Ministry, detailing steps taken and proposed to prevent such incidents, is expected within four weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)