Panel may suggest fee refunds, age bar as student suicides rock Kota

Kota attracts more than 2.5 lakh students every year who come to prepare for competitive exams.

A high-level committee in Rajasthan is geared up to propose a slew of measures to rein in the spate of suicides by students in Kota, India's one of the most prominent education hubs.

The panel suggests restricting admission to coaching institutes for students below Class VIII, facilitating refunds for students who drop out, and implementing training modules for teachers and hostel owners, a newspaper report has said. These recommendations aim to mitigate the stress and pressure faced by students preparing for exams and enhance the overall support and environment for their well-being.

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The 15-member committee, led by state higher education secretary Bhawani Detha, was established by the Rajasthan government in response to the increasing number of student suicides. The panel, which also has the district collectors and Kota's assistant police superintendent as its members, is engaged with various stakeholders such as coaching institute owners, hostel authorities, psychiatrists, and police officials.

The panel is scheduled to submit its report on September 18, which will serve as the foundation for a new policy to be presented in the upcoming session of the Rajasthan Assembly, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.

Moneycontrol couldn't verify the report independently.

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Kota attracts more than 2.5 lakh students every year who come to prepare for competitive exams like the JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) for engineering and the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) for medical college admissions. This influx of students makes Kota a centre for intensive coaching and exam preparation.

This year has seen a distressing increase in student suicides in Kota, with 24 cases reported so far. This number is significantly higher than 15 reported last year. The stress and pressure associated with preparing for competitive exams can sometimes have severe emotional and mental health consequences for students, highlighting the urgent need for support systems and mental health resources in these highly competitive academic environments.

Kota has evolved into a massive industry, estimated to be worth around Rs 10,000 crore, attracting students seeking specialised coaching and guidance to pursue careers in medicine and engineering.

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In response to the alarming rise in suicide cases, the administration in Kota has implemented various measures, including the mandatory installation of anti-hanging devices in fans to prevent self-harm and directing coaching institutes not to conduct any examination for a period of two months. These efforts are aimed at creating a safer and more supportive environment for students, promoting their mental well-being, and mitigating the stress associated with exam preparation.

Over the years, several experts have highlighted the immense mental pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams in coaching hubs like Kota. The intense competition and rigorous coaching environment, coupled with the significant financial investments made by their families, often leave students struggling to cope. This creates a difficult situation where they feel compelled to continue despite the immense stress and challenges, further exacerbating their mental well-being and leading to tragic outcomes like suicides.

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The panel is tasked with addressing the concerning rise in student suicides is considering proactive measures to promptly identify students suffering from severe depression or exhibiting suicidal tendencies. One potential recommendation involves implementing a comprehensive “gatekeeper training” programme lasting 20 hours. This training would be provided to coaching authorities, hostel owners, and those managing paying guest accommodations with an aim to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively analyse students’ behaviour and recognise signs of distress, allowing for timely intervention and support, the daily said.

The daily quoted an official familiar with the situation as saying that the new recommendations arising from the panel’s report are likely to be implemented as a formal policy rather than mere guidelines. This policy-oriented approach underscores the significance of creating a strong, formalised framework to address mental health issues and well-being among students in Kota.