India has been witnessing an alarming increase in student suicides, particularly in educational hubs such as Kota. Recently, Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) conducted a survey to shed light on this rampant issue. The face-to-face survey, carried out in October 2023 with over 1,000 students using a structured questionnaire, revealed some critical insights. The sample group consisted of 30% girls, coming from various states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, while half of them hailed from cities and towns, only 14% were from villages.
What Draws Students to Kota?
Multiple factors contribute to Kota’s popularity among students. Family influence plays a significant role, with many aspirants having immediate family members or extended relatives who studied in Kota. Social media, along with recommendations from friends and parents, also guide their decision. However, the primary motivation for students flocking to Kota is entrance exam preparation. NEET (medical entrance exam) is more popular among girls, while boys favor JEE (engineering entrance exam). Another attraction is ‘dummy schools,’ which do not mandate regular attendance but facilitate board exam appearances.
Status of Suicides in India: An Overview
In 2021, India reported a total of 1,64,033 suicides, marking a 7.2% increase from 2020. The National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB’s) Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) 2021 revealed a suicide rate of 12.0% in 2021. Among these, over 13,000 were students, averaging at more than 35 student suicides every day. This figure marked a 4.5% rise from the 12,526 student deaths in 2020, of which 864 were due to examination failures. Notably, women student suicides have seen a decrease, hitting a five-year low of 43.49% in 2021, while male suicides made up the rest.
Factors Contributing to Rising Student Suicides
The increasing number of student suicides in educational hubs is alarming and can primarily be attributed to academic pressure. High expectations from parents, teachers, and society at large often lead to immeasurable stress. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder further exacerbate the situation. Additionally, students living away from their families often battle loneliness and isolation, not to mention the financial stress associated with tuition fees or living expenses. A lack of support compounded by the stigma surrounding failure and mental health issues often pushes students towards desperation.
Steps Taken to Curb Student Suicides
Both global and national initiatives are being put into place to curb the crisis of student suicides. World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10th, aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and prevent suicide. Meanwhile, October 10th marks World Mental Health day, mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. On a national level, India has launched initiatives like the Mental Healthcare Act (MHA) 2017 providing services for those with mental illnesses. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently introduced a 24/7 toll-free helpline “KIRAN” to assist individuals battling mental health issues. The Manodarpan Initiative by the Ministry of Education offers psychosocial support during the trying times of Covid-19. Moreover, the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2023, in line with the World Health Organisation’s South East-Asia Region Strategy for suicide prevention, aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
Recommendations for the future
With student suicides on the rise, it’s imperative to prioritize mental health in educational institutions. Providing counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric services can significantly help prevent suicides. Teacher, staff, and student training in mental health first aid and promoting positive attitudes towards mental health are vital steps. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic factors such as poverty, homelessness, and unemployment is essential to improve students’ overall well-being and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.