Alarming Rise in Student Suicides in India
Student suicides in India have surged at a worrying rate, growing faster than both the population and overall suicide rates, according to a new report. The report, titled “Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India,” was released during the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024, based on data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Report Highlights Disturbing Trends
The report reveals that while overall suicides in India have increased by 2% annually, student suicides have surged by 4%. This rise is particularly concerning given the likelihood of underreporting. Over the past two decades, student suicides have consistently grown at double the national average. In 2022, male students made up 53% of the total student suicides. However, between 2021 and 2022, suicides among male students decreased by 6%, while those among female students increased by 7%.
A Growing Crisis Despite Declining Youth Population
The report also highlights that, over the last decade, the youth population (ages 0-24) in India decreased slightly from 582 million to 581 million. Despite this decline, the number of student suicides nearly doubled, rising from 6,654 to 13,044 during the same period.
States with the Highest Student Suicide Rates
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have the highest numbers of student suicides, collectively accounting for one-third of the national total. Southern states and union territories contribute 29% of these cases. Rajasthan, known for its intense academic environment, ranks 10th, underscoring the pressure faced by students in coaching hubs like Kota.
Underreporting and Stigma
The report notes that NCRB data is based on police-recorded first information reports (FIRs). However, the actual number of student suicides may be higher due to underreporting. Social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalization of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code contribute to this underreporting. Although the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act decriminalized suicide attempts for those with mental illness, the legacy of criminalization still impacts reporting practices, especially in rural areas where data collection is less consistent.
The Need for Improved Mental Health Support
Ganesh Kohli, the Founder of the IC3 Movement, emphasized the urgent need to address mental health challenges in educational institutions. He called for a shift in focus from competition to nurturing students’ overall well-being. The report underscores the critical need for enhanced counseling infrastructure and a deeper understanding of student aspirations to prevent such tragedies.
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Dramatic Increase in Suicides Over the Past Decade
The report also highlights a dramatic rise in student suicides over the past decade, with male suicides increasing by 50% and female suicides by 61%. Both genders have experienced an average annual increase of 5% in the last five years. These alarming statistics underline the need for a systematic, comprehensive counseling system within educational institutions, integrated seamlessly into the learning curriculum.
This report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve mental health support in India’s educational institutions. Addressing these challenges is essential to prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of students across the country.
