In an alarming situation, a total of 7,62,648 suicides were reported in India between 2018 to 2022 of which student suicides accounted for 59,239 s that is the 7.76%, as per the data provided by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). “The education system in India, characterised by a burgeoning trend of centralised competitive exams, is exerting immense pressure on students. The intense competition at the national level is causing a decline in the moral well-being of students, ultimately resulting in suicides in India,” Ramees EK, Ph.D. Scholar, JMI University and national president, Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) told FEEducation.
A look at the year-wise data from 2018 to 2022, shows that 1,35,516 suicides were reported in 2018 of this 10,299 suicides were committed by students that is the 7.6%. In 2019, there was a slight dip of two percentage points to 7.42%. However, in 2020 the number rose by 0.8 percentage point, and one again declined marginally by 0.3 percentage points. Moreover, in 2022 of the total number of suicides, students accounted for 7.6% that is 12,990. To address this issue, the government claims to have undertaken multiple initiatives. In a written response to a question from a Member of Parliament, Annpurna Devi, the Minister of State for Education, claimed that the ministry is preparing a draft (UMMEED) ‘Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower and Develop: Prevention of Suicide – Guidelines for Schools, 2023’, which it claims to provide an understanding for all stakeholders of the school system about suicide, associated myths and facts, risk and protective factors and warning signs for identifying students at risk.
Another significant factor which accounted for such high rates of suicides is the prevailing environment across institutions. Despite efforts by student bodies to foster a more democratic and student-friendly atmosphere, gender and caste-based discrimination persist on campuses. “Sincere efforts from the government’s end to resolve these issues are currently lacking. Resolving this issue requires a concerted, permanent solution rather than a temporary fix,” Ramees said.
On December 5, 2023, in a written reply to a query about the SC/ST students’ suicide from a member of parliament, A. Narayanswamy, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, claimed that the Department of Education has established counselling cell and various mechanism such as SC/ST Students Cell, Equal Opportunity Cell, Students Grievance Cell, Students Grievance Committee, Students Social Club, Liaison Officers, Liaison Committee across various national institutes to proactively address the issue related to the social discrimination or any other issue of SC/ST students. However, the ministry didn’t provide any specific number. “To curb the alarming rise in student suicides in India, it is imperative for both government and private educational institutions to undertake comprehensive measures. Mental health support should be prioritised, with the establishment of on-campus counselling centres and the organisation of regular workshops to raise awareness about mental health issues,” Dr. Gorav Gupta, senior psychologist, co-founder of Emoneeds, said.
Among the states, during 2019-21 the highest number of students suicides were reported in Maharashtra at 4,969. While Madhya Pradesh reported 3,393 students suicide were followed by Tamil Nadu at 3,090. As for Union Territories (UT), a total of 1,335 students suicide were reported during the period of 2019-21 of which 854 incidents were reported in Delhi alone. Puducherry bagged the second position at 179, while Jammu and Kashmir was third in line at 134. Interestingly, experts believe the student enrollment process requires to be rehauled. “Reducing the emphasis on exams and fostering a system of continuous assessment can alleviate the intense pressure on students. Additionally, robust anti-bullying campaigns must be implemented, accompanied by strict measures against any form of harassment,” Gupta said.
Industry stakeholders point out that students need to seek professional help to combat stress besides setting realistic, achievable goals to avoid undue pressure. These proactive measures empower students to effectively manage mental stress and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. “The government should adopt a more inclusive approach, incorporating multiple entrance criteria such as academic scores to reduce competitiveness. Simultaneously, considering the significant demand for quality education in India, the government should focus on expanding educational opportunities nationwide.,” Ramees said.