Why Did Odisha CM Urge an Elderly Man Not to Use the Word Suicide?
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Synopsis
In a poignant public grievance session, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed a worried elderly man who threatened suicide over unresolved issues. The CM's compassionate response highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by citizens and his commitment to resolving their concerns. Discover how his proactive measures are enhancing public trust.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Majhi addresses serious public grievances with empathy.
- Over 88% of grievances have been resolved, boosting public trust.
- Encouragement to avoid negative terminology regarding mental health.
- Commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and serious health conditions.
- Importance of addressing mental health issues in public discourse.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 11 (NationPress) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed dissatisfaction on Monday when an elderly individual at the CM's Grievance Cell indicated he would resort to suicide if his problems remained unresolved.
Majhi shared his serious concerns regarding the prevalent mindset on this topic, and urged the elderly man to avoid using the term 'suicide' in the future.
He reassured the applicant, Jagabandhu Panda, that he was committed to addressing their issues and encouraged him to remain patient. The Chief Minister affirmed that if his grievances were legitimate, he would certainly receive the necessary support.
“I have dedicated 25 years to the PWD department. However, I lack any relevant documentation. My wife suffers from paralysis and my son is physically challenged. We struggle to survive on a meager monthly salary of Rs 5000. My concerns have not been acknowledged by the authorities. The Chief Minister reassured me that he would address my issues and advised me against using the term ‘suicide’,” stated Panda.
This incident occurred during the 14th public grievance hearing session led by the Chief Minister on Monday.
Senior ministers and officials from various departments attended the public grievance session.
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, of the 12,252 applications received, 10,807 applications were addressed in the past 13 sessions of public hearings.
With over 88 percent of grievances resolved and Chief Minister Majhi's proactive approach, public trust in the state government has notably increased recently.
As has been customary in previous sessions, the Chief Minister initially met with over 40 individuals with physical disabilities and those suffering from serious health conditions at the grievance cell during this 14th session. He attentively listened to their concerns and directed officials to take swift action.
Majhi instructed the secretaries of the relevant departments present during the hearing to take appropriate measures regarding all grievances submitted on Monday.
Point of View
This incident underscores the growing mental health awareness and the need for empathetic leadership. The Chief Minister's approach reflects a proactive commitment to addressing citizen concerns and rebuilding trust in governmental institutions. As issues of mental health gain prominence in public discourse, it is crucial for leaders to foster a supportive environment for vulnerable populations.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the elderly man's concern during the grievance meeting?
The elderly man expressed that he would commit suicide if his issues were not addressed.
What was the Chief Minister's response?
The Chief Minister urged the elderly man not to use the word 'suicide' and assured him that his grievances would be addressed.
How many applications have been resolved by the CM's Grievance Cell?
Out of 12,252 applications received, 10,807 applications were resolved during the last 13 sessions.
What are the statistics of grievances resolved?
Over 88 percent of the grievances have been resolved, reflecting the CM's commitment to addressing public concerns.
Who was present during the public grievance hearing?
Senior ministers and officials from various departments were present during the grievance hearing.
