The Supreme Court has established a task force to address student mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.
- The Court noted that student suicides have surpassed instances of farmers’ suicides due to agrarian distress.
- The Supreme Court made these remarks in an order challenging a Delhi High Court ruling.
- The Delhi HC had earlier dismissed pleas by the parents of two Scheduled Caste IIT Delhi students who reportedly died by suicide.
About the Task Force
- The 10-member Task Force is headed by the former Supreme Court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat.
Objectives and Duties of the Task Force
- Investigate Causes: The task force is responsible for identifying predominant factors leading to student suicides, including ragging, caste and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and mental health stigma.
- Evaluate Frameworks: They will assess current laws and policies to determine their effectiveness in preventing student suicides and recommend necessary enhancements.
- Provide Recommendations: The task force will propose measures to bridge gaps in support systems, fostering inclusive academic environments and ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized.
Data on Student Suicides in India
- NCRB Data: 13,044 student suicides were recorded in 2022, a slight decrease of 0.3% from the previous year.
- Over the last decade (2013-22), 103,961 student suicides were recorded, marking a 64% increase compared to the prior decade (2003-12).
- Five States Account for Nearly Half of Student Suicides: Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060), and Jharkhand (824) collectively account for 49% of all student suicides in India.
- Regional Distribution: Southern states and union territories account for the highest proportion (29%) of student suicides.
- Student Suicides out of Total Suicides: Student suicides represent 7.6% of all suicides in India.
- Comparison with Farmer suicide: In 2022, 11,290 people involved in farming died by suicide across India which is less than the number of students.
- Suicide Rates: While the population of 0-24-year-olds decreased from 582 million to 581 million over the last decade, student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044.
- Underreporting of Suicides: The actual number of student suicides is likely higher due to societal stigma, penal laws against attempted and assisted suicide, and other factors.
- Mental Health Challenges: One in seven young people (ages 15-24) in India experiences poor mental health, including symptoms of depression and disinterest.
- Only 41% of those surveyed felt the need to seek support for mental health challenges.
- Psychiatrist Shortage: India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below the desired ratio of 3:100,000 .
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Causes of Student Suicide in India
- Academic Pressure: Intense competition and high expectations from parents and institutions often lead to mental health issues.
- Mental Health Issues: Lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health can lead to untreated depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
- A student may not seek help due to fear of judgment, leading to tragic outcomes.
- Family Issues: Dysfunctional family dynamics, including domestic violence or financial instability, can contribute to stress for students.
- Family pressure to perform can result in students feeling trapped.
- Social Isolation: Bullying or peer pressure can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation among students.
- Lack of Counseling Services: Insufficient access to mental health resources in schools can leave students without necessary support.
- Economic Factors: Financial burden of education and expectations to support family can lead to despair.
- Substance Abuse: Involvement with drugs or alcohol can exacerbate mental health problems and lead to impulsive actions.
Way Forward to Curb Student Suicides
Government Initiatives
- Guidelines on Self-Harm: The Ministry of Education has proposed guidelines to foster understanding and support among schools, families, and communities.
- UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop) guidelines aim to serve as “directions to schools for enhancing sensitivity, understanding, and providing support in case of reported self-harm”.
- Strengthening Anti-Ragging Laws: Despite existing bans, incidents continue. The government must enforce stricter regulations and compliance.
- Expanding Mental Health Initiatives: Increased funding for mental health programs in educational institutions, including dedicated helplines, is crucial.
Parental Involvement
- Open Communication With Children: Parents should encourage discussions about academic pressure and mental health, avoiding excessive pressure on career choices.
- According to a study published in the journal Child Development, children with supportive parents who encourage dialogue about pressures tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
- Provide Guidance When Necessary: Be proactive in seeking professional help if a child appears overwhelmed, supporting both their mental health and academic performance.
Educational Institutions
- Enhance Counseling Services: Institutions should ensure accessible counseling and establish peer support programs.
- Implement Stress Management Programs: Integrate programs into the curriculum focusing on mindfulness and coping strategies.
- The “Mindfulness in Schools” program implemented in several schools in England shows that students who participated in mindfulness training demonstrated better focus, emotional regulation, and reductions in anxiety.
- Strengthen Anti-Ragging Policies: Institutions must enforce strict anti-ragging measures and establish preventive rules clearly to protect students in hostels.
Government Initiatives to Support Student Mental Health
- Manodarpan Initiative: The Union Education Ministry launched Manodarpan, aimed at providing psychological support to students.
- This program includes a national toll-free helpline and dedicated website resources to assist students facing mental health challenges.
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS): Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in November 2022.
- It is the country’s first comprehensive policy to address suicide prevention and aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
- Rajasthan Government Actions: The Rajasthan government has taken significant steps to enhance mental health support:
- Issued mental health guidelines in 2022 and 2023, which are enforced by district administrations to ensure implementation.
- Appointed 90 psychological counselors to provide direct support to students in need.
- Established a toll-free helpline specifically for student assistance.
- Trained 10,000 hostel gatekeepers to identify signs of mental distress among students and provide necessary interventions.
- Dinner with DM Initiative in Kota: This innovative program allows students in distress to meet with district administration officials for support and counseling.
- It creates an accessible environment for students to share their concerns directly with authorities.
- National Mental Health Policy: The National Mental Health Policy aims to improve mental health infrastructure and raise awareness within educational institutions.
- This policy focuses on promoting mental well-being and ensuring that adequate resources are available to support students.
- Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS): Launched in October 2022, Tele-MANAS is a 24/7 free tele-mental health service.
- It is aimed at providing accessible counseling and care across India, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
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Conclusion
The rising incidence of student suicides in India is a pressing issue that necessitates collaborative actions from governments, parents, and educational institutions. By fostering a supportive environment and addressing the root causes of distress, it’s possible to combat this crisis and promote mental well-being among students.
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