October 9th 2023.
The recent reports of student suicides in India are both alarming and heartbreaking. According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s report titled ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’, in 2021, over 13,000 students lost their lives, which amounts to an average of 35 student suicides every day.
The Ministry of Education has taken a commendable step by introducing the ‘Umeed’ initiative. The draft guidelines focus on the idea that every child matters. They highlight that when students face personal and social challenges, they may experience feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, hopelessness, despair, and even thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
The statistics indicate a continuous increase in student suicides. Out of the reported 10,732 suicides, 864 were due to the fear of failing in exams. Commenting on the situation, Arul Malaviya, Founder of JAMIT, said that India is currently grappling with suicide cases, due to the pressure of academics and unrealistic expectations from parents or teachers.
The Ministry’s guidelines involve teachers, school staff, students, and their families, in order to create a safe and more supportive educational environment. They advise schools to pay attention to students who exhibit signs of pressure and risk factors, and dispel myths and rumours surrounding suicide.
Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD AASOKA, said that in recent years, the mental health of our students has been a significant concern. She believes that the ‘Umeed’ guidelines will promote a compassionate perspective to support students during times of stress and place importance on open and effective communication.
Furthermore, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has emphasised that enough positive models need to be replicated through technology, social outreach, and counselling to prevent student suicides. He also said that it is important to identify this problem and ensure that students are not subjected to any form of academic pressure or bullying.
Through the ‘Umeed’ guidelines, the Ministry of Education has taken a crucial step in addressing this challenge. Not only will it create a safe environment for students, but also foster understanding and communication between all stakeholders. This is essential to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of our students.
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