A recent report has revealed that the rate of student suicides in India is growing at an alarming pace, outstripping both the population growth rate and overall suicide trends. Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the "Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India" report was launched on Wednesday at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024. The report highlights that while the total number of suicides in the country has been increasing by 2 per cent annually, student suicides have surged by 4 per cent, despite a likely "under reporting" of such cases. Over the past 20 years, student suicides have grown at an annual rate of 4 per cent, double the national average. "Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming annual rate of 4 per cent, double the national average. In 2022, male students constituted 53 pc (per cent) of the total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 per cent while female student suicides increased by 7 per cent," noted the report compiled by IC3 Institute. The report also indicated that student suicides have consistently surpassed both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the past decade, even as the population of individuals aged 0-24 decreased from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides rose from 6,654 to 13,044. The report identifies Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh as the states with the highest number of student suicides, collectively accounting for one-third of the national total. Additionally, southern states and union territories contribute 29 per cent of these cases, while Rajasthan, known for its competitive academic environment, ranks 10th, highlighting the pressures associated with coaching hubs like Kota. The NCRB data, based on police-recorded first information reports (FIRs), may not fully capture the extent of the issue. The report acknowledges that student suicides are likely underreported due to factors such as the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalization of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. Although the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act decriminalized suicide attempts for individuals with mental illness, the legacy of criminalization continues to affect reporting practices, the report said. "Moreover, there are significant data discrepancies due to the lack of a robust data collection system, particularly in rural areas, where reporting is less consistent compared to urban regions," it said. Ganesh Kohli, the Founder of the IC3 Movement, emphasized that the report underscores the urgent need to address mental health challenges within educational institutions. "Our educational focus must shift to fostering the competencies of our learners such that it supports their overall well-being, versus pushing them to compete amongst each other. Kohli stated, "It is imperative that we build a systematic, comprehensive, and robust career and college counseling system within each institution while seamlessly integrating it into the learning curriculum." The report further noted a dramatic increase in student suicides over the past decade, with male suicides rising by 50 per cent and female suicides by 61 per cent. Both genders have seen an average annual increase of 5 per cent in the last five years. These disturbing statistics highlight the critical need for improved counseling infrastructure and a better understanding of student aspirations. "Addressing these gaps is essential for shifting the focus from competitive pressures to nurturing core competencies and well- being, thereby supporting students more effectively and preventing such tragedies," the report said. (With inputs from PTI)
