Suicides and Suicidal Tendencies Among Students are on The Rise
Introductory Memo: A national task force appointed by the Supreme Court has found that 9% of students in higher education institutions in India have suicidal tendencies, while 15% experience severe psychological distress. The nationwide survey of 2.5 lakh students also revealed that 34% feel excluded in their colleges and 32% lack access to counselling or mental health support, although 56% expressed confidence in their college administration. The interim report highlighted issues such as caste-based discrimination, sexual harassment, gender inequality, hostel restrictions, moral policing and linguistic disparities. The findings also raised concerns about academic choices, employment opportunities and examination systems. Meanwhile, student suicides have increased alongside the expansion of higher education, with 14,488 students dying by suicide in 2024, according to the article. In response to these concerns, the task force is considering a common framework to prevent student suicides, improve psychological care, eliminate discrimination, reduce academic and social pressures, and establish transparent and accountable systems in higher education institutions.
Analytical view/ Analysis: Suicide and suicide tendencies among students in higher education sector is increasing. The task force appointed by Supreme Court also is of the same opinion.
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
- Supreme Court Observer https://share.google/atYL97hhcUcdtgbPw
- Supreme Court Observer https://share.google/atYL97hhcUcdtgbPw
- com https://share.google/imuKnUilAKeIKcOSw
- UK https://share.google/7EQ0jn6dQzcxNZTM2
- National Crime Records Bureau https://share.google/LXlL6r0giperdrO9w
- Ovid https://share.google/NScVzoV8Jt6bVdAAR
- The Lancet https://share.google/TPmVTgEv2drR6VAIZ
- com https://share.google/UXuLtiheKm05qGfTJ
News at a Glance: Suicide and suicide tendency in higher education sector is increasing .As per the Supreme Court task force’s interim report 15 % students are showing the signs of distress.
By the Numbers: 14,488 students died by suicide in 2024
Academic Insight: Suicide and suicide tendency in higher education sector is increasing. Depression rate also soaring, what are the remedies and rectification measures. Education department should probe.
Social Media Pulse: Local issues and sudden upsurges.
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Article by: G K Suresh Babu