Senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan has expressed worry about the recent suicides of 12 children nationwide, including two girls from Madhya Pradesh, reportedly due to depression. She emphasized the need for urgent action to address mental health issues among students. Natarajan announced the launch of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, starting with a two-day cycle rally from Indore to Bhopal on July 14 and 15, to highlight concerns regarding education, unemployment, and student well-being.
The deaths of the children have deeply impacted the nation, with Natarajan stressing the importance of a compassionate and united response from society and the government. She pointed out that academic pressure, job uncertainty, and inadequate counseling services were contributing to student stress levels. Natarajan urged for increased support, guidance, and opportunities for young individuals, emphasizing the necessity for governments to prioritize mental health among students.
In addition to mental health issues, Natarajan criticized the Madhya Pradesh BJP government for alleged discrepancies in moong procurement, claiming that the state’s procurement quota did not align with actual production. She highlighted the resulting uncertainty faced by farmers and called for a revision of procurement targets to ensure every eligible farmer could sell their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Congress leader also questioned the functioning of the Election Commission of India and raised concerns about the mounting pressure on democratic institutions.
Accusing Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s government of neglecting student, farmer, and unemployed youth issues, Natarajan vowed to continue the Congress party’s outreach efforts. She pledged to bring these critical matters to the public’s attention through statewide campaigns and protests.
