In a tragic turn of events, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant from West Bengal died by suicide in Kota, Rajasthan, on Monday night. This incident marks the 26th suicide case recorded in Kota this year, highlighting a disturbing trend in the city known as India’s coaching capital, infamous for such unfortunate incidents.
The number of suicides in Kota has reached the highest count in a calendar year since 2015. The gravity of the situation is evident, with 15 aspirants succumbing to suicide in 2022 alone. The previous years witnessed similarly distressing figures: 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, seven in 2017, 17 in 2016, and 18 in 2015.
In response to the alarming rise in suicides, the Rajasthan government took steps to address the issue. In August 2023, a 15-member committee, headed by higher education secretary Bhawani Singh Detha, was formed. Based on their recommendations, the government implemented preventive measures, including mandatory screening tests, organizing sections in alphabetical order rather than by ranks, and establishing monitoring centers in coaching hubs like Kota and Sikar.
The tragic incident on Monday was the first recorded since the state government issued these guidelines on September 28. The previous case occurred on September 19 when a 16-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh died by consuming poison.
The reasons behind the distressing trend of student suicides in Kota are multifaceted. The intense competition, demanding schedules, extreme academic pressure, parental expectations, and homesickness contribute to a challenging environment for aspiring students. Interviews with students in Kota reveal a sense of isolation, with many feeling there is no one to talk to or share their feelings.
The competitive atmosphere in Kota is described as akin to running on a treadmill, where students feel compelled to keep up the pace without the option to slow down or take a break. Many children arrive in Kota at a very young age, sometimes as early as 15, and must quickly adapt to an intensely competitive environment where they may find themselves alongside more skilled peers.
Experts also point out the role of coaching centers in creating unnecessary pressure on students. Celebrations of toppers are said to contribute to an unhealthy competition and added stress for those who may not perform as well in entrance exams.
The tragic loss of young lives in Kota underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the mental health challenges faced by students pursuing competitive exams. While the government’s initiatives aim to curb such tragedies, ongoing efforts are essential to create a supportive and nurturing educational environment that prioritizes the well-being of students.
