Bhopal, July 6 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and former MP Meenakshi Natarajan on Monday expressed concern over the reported suicides of 12 children across the country, including two girls from Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to depression, and announced a statewide campaign to highlight issues affecting students and youth.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Natarajan said the recent deaths of children were deeply disturbing and called for serious intervention to address mental health issues among students.

She said the Congress would launch its “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign with a two-day cycle rally from Indore to Bhopal on July 14 and 15 to raise issues related to education, unemployment and the mental well-being of students.

“The reported deaths of 12 children, including two daughters from Madhya Pradesh, have shaken the country. This is not merely a personal tragedy for the affected families but a matter that demands a sensitive and collective response from society and the government,” Natarajan said.

She alleged that increasing academic pressure, uncertainty about employment, and a lack of adequate counselling facilities were adding to students’ stress.

“Young people need support, guidance and opportunities, not indifference. Governments must treat mental health among students as a priority,” she said.

Natarajan also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh over the procurement of moong, alleging that the state’s procurement quota was much lower than the actual production.

She claimed that farmers were facing uncertainty as a result and demanded that the government revise the procurement target to ensure that every eligible farmer could sell produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Targeting the state government, the Congress leader also raised questions about the Election Commission of India’s functioning and alleged that democratic institutions were facing increasing pressure.

She further criticised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accusing his government of failing to address issues concerning students, farmers and unemployed youth.

She said the Congress would continue its statewide outreach programme and take these issues before the people through public campaigns and protests.

–IANS

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