Kota, Rajasthan – In a tragic incident, a 16-year-old student preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) took her own life in Kota, Rajasthan. This marks the 25th student suicide in just 8 months in Kota, often referred to as the coaching hub of Rajasthan. The student, originally from Ranchi, was residing at the Blaze Hostel in the city and ended her life by hanging herself. She had moved to Kota from Jharkhand five months ago to prepare for NEET.
Tragic Spike in Student Suicides in Kota
Kota attracts nearly two lakh students each year, all hoping to crack competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and NEET. This year, officials have reported a record 25 student suicides in the district, reflecting the immense pressure these exams bring.
Rajasthan Police data reveals a distressing trend: 15 student suicides in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, 7 in 2017, 17 in 2016, and 18 in 2015. Notably, no student suicides were reported in Kota in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 closures.
Alarming Student Suicide Trends in Rajasthan
In response to the rising suicides, the district administration mandated the installation of spring-loaded fans in all hostel rooms and paying guest accommodations, aiming to provide mental support and security for students and curb the growing suicide rates.
Additionally, the Rajasthan High Court has taken note of the issue, seeking recommendations to prevent student suicides in coaching institutes, particularly in Kota. The court has emphasized the importance of psychological counseling for students. Rajasthan is also contemplating the introduction of the Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Bill 2023, designed to address the unique challenges faced by coaching institutes in the state.
