The Stark Truth About NEET Suicide

On Thursday August 17, after a string of 21 student suicides within the nation, the Kota district administration issued the order to require all hostels and paying guest accommodations to install spring loaded fans in every dorm to provide students mental support and security. The official statement issued by the district collector states “To provide mental support and security to the students studying/living in them and to prevent suicides from increasing among coaching students in Kota city, all hostel/PG operators in the state are directed to install a security spring device in the fans at every room, as discussed in Saturday’s meeting.

Every year innumerable students in India, specifically in Kota, commit suicides during the time of the year when the results of JEE or NEET exams are announced. Many place the blame on the stress and exhaust of studying and the student immense dread of failure. According to statistics in 2022, around a total of 15 students committed. In 2023 this number took a sharp proliferation to 22 students taking this drastic step.

Previously, to address the student suicide rate in Kota, the government issued policies that may have sounded as absurd as the current policy, but seeing the absurd rise in the current student suicide rate, these policies may need to be looked over again immediately. It is appallingly obvious that the larger problem, that of the retaliatory educational system which is not just meant to guide or enhance the youth intellects or equip them to face today economic actualities is not being addressed.

However, not all policies made to provide student support and security sound dwelling. In 2017, the Board of Intermediate Education in Rajasthan recommended coaching centres and institutes to offer yoga and physical education programs to maintain a healthy balance between academic rigour and mental well-being. That being said, this statement, or rather recommendation, still doesnt completely treat the root cause of the problem with the education system itself. Now looking on a more positive outlook, the New Education Policy 2020 vision, which offers more academic flexibility to reduce the rigour or academic pressure on students in in plans to be implemented. Conversely, this will take another decade or so to finally be accepted into the Indian society and provide a fresh approach education available for the upcoming youth.

Support India's Mental Health Movement (razorpay.com) LonePack NGO - tacleles mental health stigma, especially providing care and awareness of mental health amongst the Indian youth population. By Deepta Bhat