Rising Student Suicides in Premier Institutes a Grave Concern: Govt Shares Data, Initiatives

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Rising Student Suicides in Premier Institutes a Grave Concern: Govt Shares Data, Initiatives
By Khritish Swargiary

Source: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUBHAS SARKAR)

New Delhi, April 12, 2024:

Expressing concern over the rising instances of student suicides in premier higher education institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs), the Government of India today shared data and outlined various measures being taken to provide psychological support and promote mental well-being among students.

Student Suicide Data from NCRB

According to the Accidental Deaths & Suicide in India (ADSI) 2022 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), accessible at ncrb.gov.in, the data on student suicides in 2022 is available. As per the report, various causes contribute to suicides, including professional/career problems, a sense of isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, mental disorders, alcohol addiction, financial loss, and chronic pain.

"The government is deeply concerned about this issue and is taking multi-pronged measures to provide psychological support to students, teachers, and families for mental and emotional well-being to avoid such tragic incidents," stated Dr. Sarkar.

National Initiatives and Guidelines

  • Manodarpan Initiative: Launched by the Ministry of Education, this initiative covers a wide range of activities to provide psychological support to students, teachers, and families during and beyond the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • National Suicide Prevention Strategy: Formulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this strategy considers suicide prevention a public health priority and provides a framework for stakeholders to implement preventive activities.
  • UGC Regulations on Curbing Ragging: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified regulations and issued circulars for strict compliance to curb the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions. A nationwide 24x7 anti-ragging helpline (1800-180-5522) in 12 languages has also been set up.
  • Mental Health Advisories: The UGC has issued advisories to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on addressing mental health and well-being during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Student Grievance Redressal: The UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, have been formulated to safeguard the interests of students, with provisions for grievance redressal committees and ombudspersons.
  • Guidelines for Emotional Well-being: The Ministry of Education has circulated a broad framework for emotional and mental well-being of students in HEIs, requesting proactive measures to incorporate it into institutional functioning.

Institutional Efforts

At the institutional level, various steps are being taken, such as workshops/seminars on happiness and wellness, regular yoga sessions, induction programs, extracurricular activities, faculty advisors for student support, and appointment of student counselors. Workshops on mental wellness and stress management have also been conducted by IITs in different regions, involving multiple institutions and experts in mental health.

The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, mandates HEIs to establish Equal Opportunity Cells, appoint Anti-Discrimination Officers, and set up counseling centers with professionally trained counselors to provide services to students, research scholars, and faculty, including non-teaching staff.

Addressing Root Causes

Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the issue, the government has emphasized the need to address the root causes of student suicides, such as professional/career problems, isolation, abuse, family issues, mental disorders, and financial stress.

"While we have taken several steps to provide support and promote mental well-being, we are also committed to conducting in-depth studies to understand the underlying factors contributing to these tragic incidents," Dr. Sarkar said, assuring that the government will continue to prioritize the mental health and overall well-being of students in premier institutions.

The minister stressed the importance of a collaborative effort involving educational institutions, mental health professionals, policymakers, and society as a whole to create a supportive and nurturing environment for students, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.

The minister emphasized the government's recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues and its efforts to create a supportive environment for students.

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