Rahul Gandhi expresses concern over rising suicide rate among youth and calls on government to provide support

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed concern over the “rising” suicide rate among youth and urged the government to make efforts to ease the path of students by assuring them of support instead of obstacles. The “rising” suicide rate among youth in the country is very sad and worrying, the former Congress leader said in a post on his WhatsApp channel.

While the number of children in the 0-24 age group has declined from 582 million to 581 million over the last decade, the number of suicides among schoolchildren has alarmingly increased from 6,654 to 13,044, he said.

India has the largest youth population today. It is unfortunate that the youth are being subjected to difficulties and constraints instead of being provided help, he said.

This indicates very profound social, economic and psychological problems, Gandhi noted.

“High unemployment, information leaks, corruption in education, expensive tuition, social oppression, economic inequality, pressure from parents – today’s students are trying to succeed while struggling with countless such problems,” he said.

“I expect the government to do everything possible to make this difficult journey easier for students and youth, to provide them with support and not to put obstacles in their way,” he said. Parents and guardians of the students are requested to provide them with emotional support and encouragement, the Congress leader said. “And an appeal to the youth of the country – raise your voice against the problems, ask questions, demand your rights – do not be afraid!” he said.

“I stand by your side and will continue to fight on the streets and in parliament for your rights,” he said.

Gandhi’s remarks come just days after a new report found that suicide rates among students in India are increasing at an alarming rate year on year, outpacing population growth and the overall suicide rate.

The report, titled ‘Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India’, based on data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), was released on Wednesday at the annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.

The report noted that while overall suicides are increasing by two percent annually, suicides among college students have increased by four percent, although these cases are likely “underreported.”

“Over the past two decades, student suicides have increased at an alarming annual rate of 4 percent, double the national average. In 2022, male students accounted for 53 percent of all student suicides.

“Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 percent, while female student suicides increased by 7 percent,” said the report prepared by the IC3 Institute.

“The number of student suicides continues to exceed both the population growth rate and the overall suicide trend.

“While the population of 0-24 year olds declined from 582 million to 581 million over the last decade, the number of suicides among students rose from 6,654 to 13,044,” the statement said.