Thiruvananthapuram, March 3: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday addressed growing concerns over youth restlessness and increasing incidents of violence, linking these issues directly to the pressures of modern capitalism and competitive social environments. He made these remarks while responding to an adjournment motion raised in the State Assembly following the tragic death of a Class 10 student during a recent clash in Thamarassery, Kozhikode district.
Youth Under Constant Pressure from Modern Capitalism: CM Vijayan
Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized that today's younger generation faces unprecedented pressures driven by an intensely competitive, market-oriented system. He pointed out that from entrance examinations and job interviews to career advancements and even sibling rivalries, young people are conditioned to view life as a competition, inevitably fostering a perception of peers as adversaries rather than allies."This constant pressure instills in them the belief that success is only achievable by outcompeting others," Vijayan stated. He warned that such a mentality might evolve into a dangerous form of insecurity, where individuals may perceive threats even among their closest acquaintances or family members.
Emotional Disconnect: A Rising Concern
The Chief Minister also highlighted the increasing emotional detachment among children. Vijayan noted how today's children grow up largely disconnected from nature, their immediate surroundings, and even their own families. "Their lives are confined to ‘boxes’—from their home to the school bus, and then to the classroom. Their minds remain exclusively focused on academics," he said.He added, "When children return home, there is often no one available to share their joys or concerns. In many families, parents are either engrossed in their own worlds or absorbed by television serials, causing children to retreat into digital spaces, leading to emotional abandonment."
Rampant Drug Abuse: Government's Proactive Measures
Addressing concerns over drug abuse, Vijayan highlighted stringent government measures to tackle the issue. He said a dedicated control room is operational under the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP - Law and Order) to monitor and control drug-related activities across Kerala.Vijayan reported that since the current government assumed office, 87,702 drug-related cases have been registered, and continuous efforts are being made to identify and dismantle illicit drug networks. He emphasized Kerala's high conviction rate in drug cases, reinforcing the effective functioning of enforcement agencies.
Call for Sociological Approach and Scientific Solutions
The Chief Minister called for a sociological approach to addressing the root causes of youth restlessness and violence. He emphasized that superficial measures would not resolve these deeply rooted societal issues. "Effective solutions can only emerge from scientifically driven approaches that address underlying factors. Kerala, like many societies globally, faces common social ailments impacting this generation," Vijayan concluded.Opposition Criticizes Government Inaction and Lack of Strategy
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, strongly criticized the state government for its alleged inaction in curbing rising drug abuse and violence. Satheesan highlighted that this was the fourth instance since 2022 that the opposition had raised these concerns in the Assembly, yet the government had failed to implement any concrete action plans or effective enforcement strategies.Satheesan further alleged that the Excise Department lacked basic resources, including adequate vehicles, hindering effective enforcement activities. He demanded accountability, urging the government to withdraw any political protection for those involved in violent incidents. Additionally, he accused Chief Minister Vijayan of previously defending incidents involving violence against Youth Congress workers.
Earlier, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who moved the adjournment motion, accused the government of failing to address escalating drug abuse and violence, triggering heated exchanges between opposition and ruling members. The Assembly witnessed intense debates, prompting the Speaker and other ministers to call for a constructive discussion on the critical issues at hand.
