New Delhi (Agency): Kota, a city in Rajasthan known as a coaching hub, has witnessed an alarming rise in student suicides. In a desperate response, local authorities have demanded the installation of a unique “anti-suicide device” on ceiling fans in hostels. This decision aims to stop students, who are often under extreme pressure to succeed in competitive exams, from taking their own lives.
So far this year, twenty students preparing for competitive exams in Kota have died by suicide, according to authorities. This is an increase from the fifteen student suicides reported last year. As a reaction to this tragic trend, a meeting was held on August 12 between Kota officials and other stakeholders to discuss potential preventive measures.
On Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner O P Bunkar issued specific directions, calling for strict compliance with the new rules. The administration has made it clear that action will be taken against hostel owners and management if they fail to follow the instructions regarding the installation of these devices.
The device in question consists of a spring attached to the ceiling fan. If an object weighing more than 20 kilos is hung from the fan, the spring expands, making it impossible to use the fan as a means to commit suicide. At the same time, a siren is activated as an alert. The Kota Hostels Association had previously discussed this measure in 2017, but it never gained popularity among the 25,000 estimated paying guest facilities in the city.
Thousands of students from across India flock to Kota every year to prepare for highly competitive exams, such as the JEE and NEET. The pressure associated with these exams often leads to extreme stress among students, as the competition is fierce and the stakes are high. However, experts are uncertain about how effective the “suicide-proof” ceiling fan will be in truly helping students cope with the underlying stress.
The district administration has also decided to conduct periodic psychological tests on students to determine if they are at risk of suicidal tendencies. Four students in Kota have committed suicide this month alone. On Tuesday, an 18-year-old IIT-JEE aspirant from Bihar’s Gaya allegedly hanged himself in his PG room.
Last year, in the wake of the spurt in student suicides, experts were contacted to provide insights and solutions. Dr. Chandra Shekhar Sushil, who headed the Department of Psychiatry at New Medical College Hospital in Kota, suggested that parents should carefully assess their children’s aptitude through professional help. He argued that instead of pushing children to become doctors and engineers, parents should make them take an aptitude test to decide the best path for them.
Most parents, driven by ambition for their children, send them for coaching in Kota without adequate preparation. The focus often lies solely on arranging finances and logistics, leaving little room for emotional and psychological support.
The order to install “anti-suicide devices” on ceiling fans reflects the dire situation in Kota. While it may act as a physical deterrent, the underlying issue of student stress, mental health, and societal pressure remains largely unaddressed.
The decision to implement these devices brings to light the broader question of how to genuinely support and care for students who are navigating an intense educational environment. Many believe that a more comprehensive approach, involving psychological counseling, emotional support, and a deeper understanding of individual aptitudes and interests, could offer a more effective solution to this tragic issue.
As the city continues to grapple with the complex issue of student suicides, the introduction of the “anti-suicide device” is a poignant reminder of the immense pressures faced by young aspirants. It also emphasizes the urgent need for a more humane and empathetic approach to education that takes into consideration the mental well-being and unique needs of each student. The challenge now lies in translating this realization into concrete actions and policies that put the welfare of the students at the forefront of the education system.
