Behind Closed Doors: NEET Suicides in Kota

In 2024, a surge in student suicides in Kota, particularly among NEET aspirants, has been highlighted due to the city's high concentration of coaching institutes and intense competitive atmosphere. The city attracts thousands of students from across India each year, hoping to secure admissions into prestigious medical and engineering colleges. However, this intense academic environment has also led to a concerning rise in student suicides. This crisis highlights the urgent need for change in educational and societal systems to address the pressures faced by these students and the need for societal changes. Recently, this marks the 11th suspected student suicide in Kota this year. Last year, the city reported 26 cases of alleged student suicides. The exact reasons behind these tragic incidents are unclear, but the intense pressure and competition associated with NEET preparation are often cited as contributing factors. It’s essential to address mental health concerns and support students during such challenging times.

Factors which lead to suicide:

• Intense Academic Pressure: NEET aspirants in Kota face high academic pressure, with 85% experiencing stress due to the city's rigorous coaching culture. The intense competition for limited medical college seats, coupled with isolation from family and lack of mental health support, exacerbates anxiety and mental health challenges, affecting students' well-being.
• Toxic Coaching Culture: Around two lakh students flock to Kota annually, hoping to crack these competitive exams. However, the relentless pressure to excel, coupled with a toxic competitive culture in coaching institutes, contributes to mental health issues such as depression. A recent survey found that four out of ten students in Kota grapple with such issues.
• Isolation and Homesickness: Around 70% of NEET aspirants in Kota experience isolation and homesickness due to their relocation from various parts of the country. This physical separation intensifies stress and anxiety in the academic environment, leading to difficulties in coping with intense study schedules and competitive exams, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.

• High Competition: The competition is fierce. In 2023, only a little over 22% of the 1.95 lakh students who registered for NEET Advanced qualified. The high stakes and the desire to secure a seat in prestigious institutions drive students to push themselves to the limit.
• Mental Health Issues: NEET aspirants in Kota face mental health issues, with 60% experiencing anxiety, depression, and other problems due to academic pressure, competition, and parental expectations. Lack of support services in coaching institutes further exacerbates these issues, impacting academic performance and quality of life.
• Parental and Societal Pressure: Many Indian parents still prioritize traditional career paths like medicine and engineering. However, there are numerous other career options available. Lack of awareness about these alternatives, combined with societal and familial pressure, exacerbates the situation.
• Financial Strain: NEET aspirants in Kota face financial strain due to high coaching fees and accommodation costs, affecting 50% of middle or lower-income students. This pressure, coupled with fear of failure and high education costs, exacerbates anxiety and mental strain.

Steps to Reduce the Suicide:

1. Enhancing Mental Health Support: Kota's NEET aspirants need improved mental health support to reduce suicide rates. Strategies include on-site counseling centers, 24/7 helplines, stress management programs, peer support systems, parental involvement, educational reforms, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with NGOs and government policy interventions.
2. Educational Reforms: Kota's educational reforms aim to improve mental health support for all students by introducing a flexible curriculum, modular exams, continuous assessments, and a reduced syllabus load. Mental health education and life skills training are integrated, and teacher training is crucial. Mandatory mental health services and regulatory oversight ensure compliance, promoting overall well-being alongside academic success.
3. Parental and Community Involvement: Parental and community involvement is crucial for supporting aspirants' mental health in Kota. Education, open communication, community initiatives, and mentorship from local organizations can create a nurturing environment that prioritizes academic and emotional health.
4. Financial assistance and scholarships: In Kota alleviate stress for students. Need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, emergency funds, and partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and private organizations help students focus on studies and avoid economic concerns.
5. Government and Policy Interventions: Government and policy interventions are crucial for improving mental health support for all aspirants in Kota. Mandating mental rolex replica health services in educational institutions, implementing strict regulations, funding programs, and promoting public awareness campaigns are essential for a robust support system.

 

Legal Provisions:

1. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:

• Section 18 - Right to Access Mental Healthcare: Every person has a right to access mental healthcare and treatment from mental health services run or funded by the government.
• Section 29 - Duties of the Appropriate Government: The government is mandated to plan, design, and implement programs for the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness.
• Section 115 - Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide: Individuals who attempt suicide shall be presumed to be under severe stress, and it is the duty of the government to provide care, treatment, and rehabilitation to reduce the risk of recurrence.

2. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860:

• Section 306 - Abetment of Suicide: Penalizes anyone who abets the commission of suicide. In the context of student suicides, this can apply to institutions or individuals whose actions or negligence contribute to a student's decision to take their life.
• Section 305 - Abetment of Suicide of a Child or Insane Person: Provides stringent punishment for abetment of suicide of minors or individuals with mental illness, highlighting the need for extra care and protection for vulnerable groups.

3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015:

• Protection of Children: Ensures the protection, treatment, and care of children, recognizing their vulnerability and the need for a supportive environment.
• Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration: Focuses on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of children in distress, including those experiencing severe academic pressure.

4. The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020:

• Holistic Development: Emphasizes the holistic development of students, balancing academic rigour with physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
• Mental Health and Well-being: Encourages the incorporation of mental health and well-being programs in educational curricula. Recommends counseling services and support systems within schools and higher education institutions.

5. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR):

Monitoring and Safeguarding: The NCPCR is tasked with ensuring the protection of child rights and can take suo-motu cognizance of incidents where children's rights are violated, including cases of academic pressure leading to suicide.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations:

• Mental Health Support in Higher Education: UGC guidelines mandate universities and colleges to provide mental health support and counseling services to students.
• Anti-Ragging Regulations: Enforces strict anti-ragging measures to create a safer and more supportive campus environment. 

7. Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009:

Inclusive Education: Aims to provide inclusive education and create a stress-free environment for students up to the age of 14, setting a precedent for holistic and inclusive educational practices at higher levels.

 

Judgments Related to it:

• Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka (1992):

This landmark case affirmed education as a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. It highlighted the importance of affordable and accessible education for all, which indirectly impacts the well-being of students.

• Unni Krishnan JP v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993):

In this case, the Supreme Court emphasized the obligation of the State to ensure educational institutions provide a conducive environment that promotes the mental and physical well-being of students.

• Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India (2007):

This case addressed the quality of education and the responsibilities of educational institutions. It underscored the need for regulatory oversight to ensure institutions meet prescribed standards, which can include provisions for mental health support.

• Meera Santosh Pal & Others v. Union of India (2020):

While not directly related to NEET or Kota, this case highlighted the mental health challenges faced by students during exams, urging the government to consider mental health aspects in educational policy and planning.

• Vishal Jangotra v. Union of India (2021)

This case dealt with the mental health issues of students during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the importance of providing adequate support systems within educational institutions.

 

Conclusion

The persistent issue of NEET aspirant suicides in Kota highlights the extreme academic pressure, isolation, and mental health struggles faced by students. The city's reputation as a premier coaching hub fosters high expectations, leading to severe stress and anxiety. Financial burdens from coaching fees and living expenses add to the pressure.

Despite efforts like mandatory counseling, preventive measures in hostels, and stricter regulation of coaching centres, these initiatives often fall short. The lack of adequate mental health support and the stigma of seeking help worsen the crisis.

Addressing this requires a comprehensive approach: better mental health resources, effective regulation of coaching practices, and increased parental and community involvement. Educating parents, creating a balanced curriculum, and ensuring compliance with safety measures are critical for a supportive environment in Kota. Legally, enforcing stricter regulations on coaching centres and mandating mental health support services are essential steps to protect students' well-being.

 

Authored by: GARIMA SEHRAWAT

Ideal Institute of Technology & Management & School of Law

 

References:

India Today

Outlook India

Times of India

The New Indian Express

Legal Service India

India Code (Legal Service India)

SCC Online - www.scconline.com

Manu Patra - www.manupatra.com

Indian Kanoon www.indiankanoon.org

Supreme Court of India www.main.sci.gov.in

 

Image credit goes to the original author