Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks on stress management in the workplace have sparked outrage among opposition parties, particularly Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). During a recent statement, Sitharaman suggested that educational institutions should incorporate stress management training alongside academic curricula, following the tragic death of a young employee from Ernst Young India.
Congress party leaders have criticized the finance minister for appearing to downplay the broader issues of workplace conditions and the systemic pressures faced by employees. AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal expressed frustration, stating that Sitharaman only shows concern when corporations are in trouble, neglecting the hardships endured by workers like Anna Sebastian, who are exploited by corporate labor practices.
Sitharaman did not specify the name of the deceased employee or the companies involved, yet her comments were interpreted as a response to the growing scrutiny of corporate work environments. The finance minister emphasized the need for educational programs to help students manage work-related stress.
In a strong rebuke, Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi asserted that the challenges faced by Chartered Accountancy graduates, known for their rigorous training, should not require reminders about work pressure. She urged the finance minister to address critical issues such as working conditions and excessive work hours instead.
Both parties have called for a more nuanced discussion about the realities of corporate work life, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to protect workers’ rights and well-being.