New Report Reveals Student Suicides in India Are Rising Faster Than General Suicide Rates

New Report Reveals Student Suicides in India: A new report released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 has unveiled alarming statistics about student suicides in India. The report, titled "Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India," uses data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to highlight a troubling trend: student suicides are increasing at a rate faster than the general population growth and overall suicide rates.

Key Findings

The report reveals that while overall suicides in India have increased by 2% each year, student suicides have surged by 4% annually. This figure may be even higher due to potential underreporting. Over the last two decades, student suicides have grown at a rate twice as fast as the national average. In 2022, male students made up 53% of all student suicides. Although male student suicides decreased by 6% between 2021 and 2022, female student suicides rose by 7%.

Statistics and Trends

The incidence of student suicides continues to outpace both population growth and overall suicide trends. Over the past decade, the number of student suicides nearly doubled, increasing from 6,654 in 2012 to 13,044 in 2022. Meanwhile, the population of individuals aged 0-24 only decreased slightly from 582 million to 581 million during the same period.

Regional Insights

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have the highest numbers of student suicides, collectively accounting for one-third of the total. Southern states and union territories contribute 29% of these cases. Rajasthan, particularly known for its competitive academic environment in places like Kota, ranks 10th, highlighting the intense academic pressure faced by students there.

Challenges in Reporting

The report also addresses the issue of underreporting. Many student suicides may not be accurately recorded due to social stigma and legal issues. Although the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act decriminalized suicide attempts for those with mental illness, the stigma and criminalization legacy still affects reporting practices. Additionally, discrepancies in data collection, especially in rural areas, contribute to the problem.

Call to Action

Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, emphasized the urgent need to improve mental health support in educational institutions. He advocates for shifting the focus from competitive pressures to fostering students' overall well-being and competencies. Kohli stresses the importance of developing comprehensive career and college counseling systems within schools and integrating these systems into the curriculum.

The report highlights a dramatic increase in student suicides over the past decade, with male suicides rising by 50% and female suicides by 61%. Both genders have seen an average annual increase of 5% in the last five years. These statistics underline the need for better counseling infrastructure and a more nuanced understanding of student needs.

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Addressing these issues is crucial for moving away from competitive pressures and focusing on students' well-being, ultimately helping to prevent further tragedies.