Suicides and Suicidal Tendencies among Students Are on the Rise
A study has found that nine percent of students studying in higher education institutions in India have suicidal tendencies. This finding emerged from a study conducted by a high-level national task force appointed by the Supreme Court following student suicides. The survey also found that 15 percent of students were suffering from severe psychological distress. It is understood that the final report, to be submitted to the Supreme Court on October 31, will contain details of these findings.
The task force studied the mental state of students over the past six months to one year. As many as 34 % of students feel that they are excluded or outsiders in their own colleges. The most encouraging finding is that 56 % of students have confidence in and are satisfied with their college administration. Meanwhile, 32 % pointed out that counselling or expert guidance to address mental health problems and prevent suicidal tendencies is not available in colleges.
The task force had submitted an interim report to the court earlier this year. The interim report highlighted various problems prevailing in higher education institutions. These included deeply rooted social discrimination, sexual harassment in medical and engineering colleges, gender discrimination in academic matters at medical, engineering and law institutions, restrictions in hostels, moral policing, caste-based discrimination against those who secure places in the NEET-UG examinations and JEE rank lists, caste-based humiliation and oppression during admissions, and linguistic disparities in internal assessments, grading and teachers’ attention.
The latest report, however, covered 250,000 students in a nationwide survey. Of these, 67 percent belonged to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes. Among the students who participated in the survey, concerns about the choice of academic subjects and the availability of employment opportunities were generally evident. Students broadly felt that issues such as the open-book examination system required further analysis. Senior officials of the task force observed that, since only a small percentage of students in the country had been covered by the survey, its findings could only be regarded as preliminary conclusions.
The number of students gaining admission to higher education has surged over the past 10 years. While 29.2 million students enrolled in higher education in 2011, the figure had risen to 43.3 million by 2022. Senior officials of the task force say that a similar increase is evident in the suicide rate among students. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, the suicide rate among students in higher education institutions was 26.37 per 100,000 in 2011. By 2022, this had risen to 30.02 per 100,000. In 2024, 14,488 students died by suicide. The suicide rate has increased by 63 % over the past 10 years. Students account for eight percent of all suicides nationwide. Recently, two IIT students died by suicide in Delhi and Mumbai. Last year, 92 students at higher education institutions such as IITs and IIMs died by suicide.
The rising incidence of suicidal tendencies in higher education has compelled the Supreme Court to appoint a special task force. The committee is considering introducing a common framework in higher education institutions to prevent suicidal tendencies and ensure psychological care and support for students. The task force is also considering developing a common action plan to eliminate feelings of inferiority and psychological distress and address the problems faced by students. It is understood that the task force will also recommend the introduction of a transparent and accountable system in higher education institutions.
Reference
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- Supreme Court Observer https://share.google/atYL97hhcUcdtgbPw
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