The task force under former SC judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, set up by the Supreme Court, will identify the predominant causes that lead to students’ suicides and recommend measures to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Here, we have discussed the Reasons for the Rise in Students’ Suicides in India.
Task Force Established
- 10-Member Task Force: Formed to investigate causes of student suicides, including ragging, caste-based discrimination, academic pressure, financial stress, and mental health stigma.
- Assessment of Current Frameworks: The task force will evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws, policies, and frameworks in higher education and suggest improvements.
- Authority for Surprise Inspections: The task force has the authority to conduct surprise inspections at higher education institutions.
- Flexible Mandate: The task force can make recommendations beyond its specified mandate if necessary.
- Reporting Timeline: The court has ordered the task force to present an interim report within four months and a final report within eight months.
Data regarding suicides
- As per the Report of the National Crime Records Bureau 2022, over 13,000 students have lost their lives by committing suicide in the country.
- Surge in Student Suicides: Student suicides in India have risen at an alarming annual rate of 4%, double the national average.
- Gender Trends: Between 2021-2022, male suicides decreased by 6%, while female suicides increased by 7%.
- States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh account for one-third of student suicides.
Reasons for the Rise in Students’ Suicides in India
- Academic Pressure: Intense competition and high expectations in educational institutions, particularly in coaching hubs like Kota.
- Mental Health Issues: Increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among students, with inadequate mental health support systems.
- Social Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health discourages students from seeking help.
- Caste and Gender Discrimination: Discrimination based on caste, gender, and other social factors within academic institutions.
- Family and Financial Strain: Pressure from families to perform well academically, often combined with financial difficulties.
- Failure and Academic Setbacks: Struggles with failing exams, academic underachievement, as well as fear of failure leading to despair.
- Lack of Support Systems: Insufficient counseling services and mental health infrastructure in educational institutions.
- Social Media and Peer Pressure: The impact of social media on self-esteem, comparison with peers, and bullying.
Government Initiatives
- Manodarpan Initiative: A program providing psychological support to students through a national toll-free helpline and website.
- Rajasthan Government Actions: Issued mental health guidelines in 2022 and 2023, enforced by district administrations.Appointed 90 psychological counselors to support students.Introduced a toll-free helpline for student assistance.
- Dinner with DM Initiative in Kota: A program where students in distress can meet district administration officials for support and counselling.
- Helpline for Support: Students facing distress or suicidal tendencies can call the helpline at 104 for assistance.
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Suggestions
- National Mental Health Policy: Focused on improving mental health infrastructure and awareness in educational institutions.
- Enhancing mental health education: Comprehensive mental health education should be incorporated into the school curriculum. As a result, it will help students understand and manage their mental health.
- Improved access to counselling services: Every school should have trained counsellors and mental health professionals. Since they play a major role in supporting students.
- Parental guidance and support: Parents should be provided with resources and training to help them effectively understand and support their children’s mental health needs.
- Policy reform: Reevaluation and reform of educational policies can reduce undue pressure on students. Moreover, it will promote a more holistic approach to learning and assessment.
- Making support systems effective: The Development and strengthening of community support systems is essential. Since It will provide mental health resources and support outside of the school environment.
- Anti-bullying programmes: Implementation and enforcement of strong anti-bullying policies need to be there. As it will create a safer and more supportive school environment.
Conclusion
Indian society needs more comprehensive efforts to create a supportive environment for all, irrespective of age, background, and economic conditions, to mitigate these preventable deaths by suicide.