By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jeetu Patwari has said that a disturbing image from Vidisha district, showing a young girl searching for food amid heaps of roadside waste, has triggered a nationwide debate on governance and social welfare in the state. He stated that the photograph, widely circulated across social media and political platforms, is being viewed not merely as a scene of individual hardship, but as a reflection of a deeper administrative failure and a growing erosion of social sensitivity.
The matter drew further attention when Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, recently highlighted another troubling incident in which schoolchildren were seen being served mid-day meals on sheets of paper instead of proper plates. The situation has prompted sharp criticism and raised questions about the government’s priorities in ensuring children’s nutrition and welfare.
Patwari pointed out that Madhya Pradesh remains among the poorest performing states in key social indicators, including malnutrition, maternal mortality, infant mortality, crimes against women and cases of missing women. According to him, these figures are not mere statistics, but a stark reminder of the everyday struggles faced by millions of families.
He further noted that despite these challenges, the Chief Minister has focused largely on political outreach outside the state rather than addressing critical development concerns at home. While schemes such as the Ladli Behna financial support programme were welcomed, the promised monthly assistance of ₹3000 has yet to be fully implemented, with beneficiaries reportedly receiving much less.
Meanwhile, the state’s rising fiscal deficit is believed to be limiting the government’s ability to adequately fund essential social welfare schemes. Critics argue that many policies remain more visible in advertisements than in real benefit to citizens.
The Congress has urged the government to address the issues of hunger, women’s safety, youth unemployment and social welfare with urgency. The party affirmed that citizens now expect genuine action, compassion and accountability, not merely assurances.
