Student Suicide: In this state, there has been an increase in student suicides, the three-year figures will leave you stunned

Student Suicide: The cases of suicide are increasing across the country. In some states, there has been a surge in suicide cases. Odisha is also included in this list.

The cases of suicide are increasing across the country. In some states, there has been a surge in suicide cases. Odisha is also included in this list. In this state, last year in 2023, 189 students died by suicide. This is a 59% increase compared to 119 deaths in 2021. This information was provided to the Odisha Assembly on Monday. In response to a question asked by Biju Janata Dal MLA Dhruva Charan Sahu, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that between 2021 and 2023, 481 students, including 218 boys and 263 girls, committed suicide in the state.

189 students committed suicide in 2023

According to the figures presented by CM Patnaik, in 2021, 119 students committed suicide, including 58 boys and 61 girls, while in 2023, the number increased to 189 – 85 boys and 104 girls. In 2022, 173 students, including 75 boys and 98 girls, committed suicide across the state.

The suicide rate among girls is alarming

The data also reveals that the rate of suicide among girls has increased by about 70% between 2021 and 2023, which is much higher compared to boys. CM Patnaik said that only four cases of farmer suicides have been reported in the state between 2021 and 2023.

A total of 5,989 suicide cases were reported in 2023

The data also reveals that a total of 5,989 suicide cases were reported in 2023, which is a 2.4% decrease compared to 6,140 cases in 2022. In 2021, 5,649 people died by suicide in the state.

What experts say

Dr. Amrit Pattajoshi, Honorary Secretary of the Indian Psychiatric Society, said that the alarming increase in student suicides in Odisha is driven by factors such as increasing competition, high social and family expectations, and lack of emotional support due to busy parents’ schedules. Excessive use of gadgets and social media isolates students, weakening their ability to cope with stress and failure.

Pattajoshi said that, additionally, decreased tolerance due to failed relationships, easy access to drugs, and social isolation further exacerbate the crisis, which is further worsened by the lack of social empathy.