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Rajasthan: In a heartbreaking start to 2024, Kota, Rajasthan, has witnessed a troubling rise in student suicides, with six cases reported within the first 22 days of January. This alarming trend has reignited concerns about the immense pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams like NEET and JEE.
On Wednesday morning, two students preparing for NEET and JEE died by suicide, bringing the grim tally to six this month. The first victim, a 23-year-old female student from Ahmedabad, was found hanging in her hostel room after she failed to respond to her peers. Just hours later, an 18-year-old student from Assam also took his life, just days before his JEE (Mains) exam.
These tragic incidents highlight the intense academic pressure that students in Kota face. The city is known as a hub for coaching institutes, drawing thousands of students from across India. Many students report feeling overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon them, often leading to severe mental health crises.
In response to this crisis, the Rajasthan government has implemented stricter guidelines for coaching institutes and hostels. These measures include mandatory mental health support and monitoring systems aimed at preventing further tragedies. However, despite these efforts, the recent suicides indicate a need for more effective interventions.
Last year saw 20 student suicides in Kota, a significant decrease from previous years but still concerning. The ongoing issue underscores the necessity for systemic changes within the educational framework to ensure student well-being.As the community mourns these losses, there is a pressing need for open discussions about mental health and support systems for students navigating the pressures of competitive education.