Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have been identified as the states with the highest number of student suicides, together accounting for one-third of the national total. Notably, southern states and union territories contribute 29 per cent of these cases.
India is grappling with an escalating crisis of student suicides, with rates rising significantly faster than the overall population growth and general suicide trends, according to a new report released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 on Wednesday. Titled “Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India,” the report, compiled by the IC3 Institute, underscores a troubling increase in suicides among students, revealing urgent gaps in mental health support within educational institutions.
The report, which draws from data provided by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), indicates that while the overall annual suicide rate in India has risen by 2 per cent, student suicides have surged at a rate of 4 per cent. This increase is troubling, given that the rate of student suicides is double the national average and occurs despite potential underreporting of such cases.
Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming rate of 4 per cent per year, outpacing both population growth and overall suicide trends. In 2022 alone, there were 13,044 reported student suicides, a dramatic increase from 6,654 cases a decade earlier. This rise is especially stark considering the population of 0-24-year-olds in India decreased slightly from 582 million to 581 million over the same period.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have been identified as the states with the highest number of student suicides, together accounting for one-third of the national total. Notably, southern states and union territories contribute 29 per cent of these cases, while Rajasthan, known for its high-stakes academic environment, ranks tenth. Rajasthan’s high number of student suicides is attributed to the intense pressure associated with coaching hubs like Kota.
Underreporting?
The report emphasizes that actual figures may be higher due to underreporting. This underreporting is partly attributed to 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 those with mental illness, the legacy of criminalization continues to affect reporting practices. Data discrepancies are also prevalent in rural areas where reporting is less consistent compared to urban regions.
Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, highlighted the need for urgent reforms in addressing mental health challenges in 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 said. He called for a comprehensive and robust career and college counselling system within each institution, integrated into the learning curriculum to better support students’ mental health.
The report also reveals 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 experienced an average annual increase of 5 per cent in the last five years. In 2022, male students accounted for 53 per cent of all student suicides, although their numbers decreased by 6 per cent from 2021. Conversely, female student suicides increased by 7 per cent during the same period.
Alarming
The IC3 Institute, a volunteer-based organization that supports high schools worldwide, has been instrumental in advocating for better career and college counselling systems. The organization established a task force to address mental health issues among students and has launched several initiatives, including an annual mental health survey, student-led awareness programs, and training for educators.
Despite these efforts, the statistics remain alarming. The rate of student suicides in India now accounts for 7.6 per cent of all suicides, up from 5.6 per cent over the previous eight years. The report calls for a united effort from all stakeholders to develop and implement data-driven policies and programs to combat this crisis. It also highlights the need for improved data collection and reporting mechanisms to address the gaps in current statistics.
Dr. Amit Sen, a psychiatrist at the Children First Mental Health Institute in Delhi, remarked, “India has the highest number of deaths by suicide in youngsters. Across the world, the largest cause of death in youth is road accidents, but in India, it is suicide.” His comments underscore the gravity of the issue and the urgent need for comprehensive action.
The IC3 Conference aims to galvanize action and drive systemic change in how educational institutions address mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment for students. The collective efforts of educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals will be crucial in addressing and mitigating the crisis of student suicides in India.
