Rahul Gandhi calls for better working conditions after the tragic death of an EY employee

Opposition leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday conveyed his condolences to the family members of a 26-year-old EY employee who reportedly died of work-related stress, assuring them that he would work to improve working conditions for millions of professionals in India.

On Gandhi's instructions, the All India Professionals Congress (AIPC) plans to set up a helpline to collect information from corporate professionals about stress and toxic work environments. According to an official statement, Gandhi spoke to Anna Sebastian's parents through a video call arranged by AIPC chairman Praveen Chakravarty during his visit to their home in Kochi.

In his conversation, Gandhi praised the family's courage in raising such a sensitive issue at a difficult time. He stressed his commitment to their cause and instructed AIPC to start an awareness movement in Anna's memory for all working people in India. The AIPC's aim is to develop guidelines for improved working conditions based on the feedback collected.

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

EY expressed its deep sadness at her death in a statement and assured that it takes the family's concerns seriously. The consulting firm reiterated its commitment to the well-being of its employees and promised continued support to Anna's family.

The incident sparked a debate about corporate responsibility and the importance of mental health, with experts urging employers to view their workers as people, not machines.

(With contributions from agencies.)