STUDENT SUICIDES IN INDIA - POLITY
NEWS: The Supreme Court has established a task force to address student mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.
• The Court noted that student suicides have surpassed instances of farmers’ suicides due to agrarian distress.
• The Supreme Court made these remarks in an order challenging a Delhi High Court ruling.
• The Delhi HC had earlier dismissed pleas by the parents of two Scheduled Caste IIT Delhi students who reportedly died by suicide.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Task Force on Student Suicides
1. Leadership of the Task Force:
• The 10-member Task Force is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat.
• It is responsible for addressing the alarming rise in student suicides across India by identifying causes, evaluating policies, and recommending solutions.
2. Objectives and Duties of the Task Force:
• Investigate Causes: The task force will analyze the primary factors contributing to student suicides, including:
Ragging and bullying within educational institutions.
Caste and gender-based discrimination leading to psychological distress.
Sexual harassment creating unsafe learning environments.
Mental health stigma preventing students from seeking help.
• Evaluate Existing Frameworks:
Assess the effectiveness of current laws, policies, and institutional mechanisms in preventing student suicides.
Identify loopholes and gaps in policies that need urgent redressal.
• Provide Recommendations:
Suggest measures to strengthen mental health support systems in educational institutions.
Advocate for inclusive academic environments to provide equal opportunities to marginalized students.
Data on Student Suicides in India
1. Trends in Student Suicides (NCRB Data):
• In 2022, India recorded 13,044 student suicides, marking a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
• Over the last decade (2013-22), 103,961 student suicides were reported, reflecting a 64% increase compared to the previous decade (2003-12).
2. State-wise Contribution to Student Suicides:
• Five states account for nearly half (49%) of all student suicides in India:
Maharashtra: 1,764 cases
Tamil Nadu: 1,416 cases
Madhya Pradesh: 1,340 cases
Uttar Pradesh: 1,060 cases
Jharkhand: 824 cases
• Regional Distribution:
Southern states and union territories account for the highest proportion (29%) of student suicides in the country.
3. Comparison with Farmer Suicides:
• In 2022, 11,290 people involved in farming died by suicide in India.
• The number of student suicides (13,044) was higher than farmer suicides, highlighting the growing mental health crisis among youth.
4. Suicide Rates Among Students:
• Despite a marginal decrease in the 0-24 age group population (from 582 million to 581 million over the last decade), student suicides doubled from 6,654 (2013) to 13,044 (2022).
• The actual number of suicides is likely underreported due to:
Social stigma surrounding mental health.
Penal laws against attempted and assisted suicides.
Reluctance among families to report suicide cases.
5. Mental Health Challenges Among Students:
• One in seven young people (aged 15-24) in India experiences poor mental health, including depression, anxiety, and disinterest in daily activities.
• However, only 41% of those surveyed felt the need to seek professional support for their mental health challenges.
6. Shortage of Mental Health Professionals in India:
• India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, significantly below the ideal ratio of 3:100,000 recommended by WHO.
Causes of Student Suicides in India
1. Academic Pressure:
• Intense competition, high parental expectations, and rigorous curriculum often lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Students preparing for high-stakes exams (such as JEE, NEET, UPSC) face tremendous pressure, increasing their vulnerability to mental health issues.
2. Mental Health Stigma and Lack of Awareness:
• Many students avoid seeking help due to fear of being judged by peers, family, or society.
• Lack of awareness about mental health conditions prevents early intervention, leading to severe depression and suicide.
3. Family-Related Issues:
• Dysfunctional family dynamics, including domestic violence, financial struggles, and conflicts, create stressful home environments.
• Parental pressure to excel in academics or pursue specific career paths can leave students feeling trapped.
4. Social Isolation and Bullying:
• Bullying, discrimination, and peer pressure contribute to loneliness and low self-esteem.
• Students from marginalized backgrounds often face exclusion and discrimination, worsening mental distress.
5. Lack of Counseling Services in Educational Institutions:
• Most schools and colleges lack professional counselors and mental health support services.
• Students struggling with stress, depression, or academic pressure do not have access to adequate guidance and emotional support.
6. Economic Factors:
• The rising cost of education and financial expectations from families put students under significant pressure.
• Economic distress leads to feelings of helplessness and despair among students from low-income backgrounds.
7. Substance Abuse:
• Drug and alcohol abuse can exacerbate underlying mental health issues, leading to impulsive and self-harming behaviors.
Way Forward to Curb Student Suicides
1. Government Initiatives
• Guidelines on Self-Harm:
• The Ministry of Education has proposed new guidelines under UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop).
• These guidelines aim to enhance awareness and provide support to schools, families, and communities in handling self-harm cases.
• Strengthening Anti-Ragging Laws:
• Although ragging is banned, incidents continue to occur.
• The government must enforce stricter regulations, conduct regular monitoring, and ensure strict compliance.
• Expanding Mental Health Initiatives:
• Increase funding for mental health programs in educational institutions.
• Establish dedicated helplines and encourage institutions to set up psychological support centers.
2. Parental Involvement
• Encourage Open Communication:
• Parents should have regular conversations about academic pressure and mental health concerns.
• Studies indicate that children with supportive parents who discuss pressures exhibit lower stress levels and better emotional regulation.
• Early Intervention and Guidance:
• Parents should be proactive in seeking professional help if they notice signs of mental distress in their children.
3. Role of Educational Institutions
• Enhance Counseling Services:
• Schools and colleges must ensure the availability of trained mental health professionals.
• Establish peer support groups to create a safe space for students to express their concerns.
• Implement Stress Management Programs:
• Introduce mindfulness, meditation, and coping skills training as part of the curriculum.
• Studies show that students who engage in mindfulness training demonstrate better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety.
• Strengthen Anti-Ragging Policies:
• Strict anti-ragging measures must be enforced, and offenders should face severe disciplinary action.
Government Initiatives to Support Student Mental Health
1. Manodarpan Initiative:
• Launched by the Union Education Ministry, providing psychological support via toll-free helplines and online resources.
2. National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS):
• Launched in November 2022 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• Aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
3. Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS):
• Launched in October 2022, providing 24/7 free tele-mental health services across India, especially in remote areas.
By implementing these measures, India can create a more supportive environment for students and significantly reduce suicide rates among the youth.
Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Mar/25/task-force-to-check-rising-trend-of-student-suicides