Nirmala defends herself amid opposition jibes over E&Y case

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday responded to opposition jibes accusing her of victim shaming in the case involving the demise of an Ernst & Young employee allegedly due to exploitative work conditions.

Opposition leaders including Shiv Sena UBT's Priyanka Chaturvedi targeted Nirmala for saying "whatever job you do you should have the ability to handle pressure".

In her post, Chaturvedi addressing the FM said, "Anna had inner strength to handle the stress that came with pursuing a gruelling chartered accountancy degree. It was the toxic work culture, long work hours that took away her life which needs to be addressed. Stop victim shaming and at least try to be a little sensitive, am sure god will be the guide if you seek."

Nirmala Sitharaman, tagging Chaturvedi, today said, she never named anyone while touching upon the issue of high pressure jobs.

"I had referred to this matter in a talk delivered in Tamil at a deemed university on the outskirts of Chennai. Had specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding and rigorous examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor of the firm. The University has set up a Meditation Hall and a place of worship for all its students and faculty. It is in this context that I spoke on how it is necessary to build inner strength for students. With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support the children, and in no way victim shaming was done nor intended, even remotely," the FM said.

She said the Union Labour Ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the tragic demise.