Amidst the concerning surge in suicide cases among students in Kota, Rajasthan, a committee has been established to address this distressing issue and propose preventative measures. The committee, led by Bhawani Singh Detha, the principal secretary for higher and technical education, conducted a virtual meeting with representatives from coaching institutes and hostel associations, as reported by PTI. Key attendees included Kota Collector O P Bunkar, SP Sharad Chaudhary, Additional Collector (Administration) Rajkumar Singh, and Additional SP Bhagwat Singh Hingad.
During the meeting, several proactive measures were suggested to alleviate students’ stress and provide support:
- Balancing Study and Leisure: A unique initiative of “half-day study, half-day fun” is proposed for one weekday. This strategy aims to strike a balance between rigorous study routines and leisure activities, potentially mitigating the overwhelming pressure on students.
- Identification of At-Risk Students: The committee plans to identify students displaying signs of suicidal tendencies. Early detection will enable timely intervention and psychological counseling, helping students cope with emotional challenges.
- Expert Committees in Coaching Institutes: Coaching institutes are encouraged to establish committees comprising subject experts. This move aims to reevaluate course loads and reduce the academic burden on students, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Online Motivational Sessions: Coaching institutes are directed to organize online motivational sessions conducted by experts. These sessions will be shared on social media platforms, making them accessible to all students, and fostering positivity and motivation.
- Altering Weekly Schedule: To facilitate a healthier routine, coaching institutes will implement a “half-day study, half-day fun” approach every Wednesday. Additionally, routine tests for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET will be suspended for the next two months.
Kota district collector Bunkar acknowledged the severity of the situation, remarking on the alarming number of student suicides. The preliminary meeting aimed to brainstorm both short-term and long-term solutions to address this critical issue. Bunkar emphasized that implementing immediate and sustained measures to counteract the rising suicide rates will alleviate students’ stress and contribute to a more favorable learning environment.
The urgency of this matter is underscored by the recent tragedy of two students who took their own lives within a span of four hours while preparing for competitive exams in Kota. Shockingly, the suicide count for 2023 has already reached 22, surpassing any previous year’s figures. In 2022, the toll stood at 15. The decisions made during this meeting hold the potential to offer solace to students, relieve their pressures, and create a conducive atmosphere for their growth and well-being.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.