A 19-year-old National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant died by suicide in Rajasthan’s Kota. The incident came to light on Tuesday.
In this coaching hub of the country, at least 26 deaths by suicide of students were reported in 2023, setting alarm bells ringing about the pressure levied on students. The victim was found hanging in his room and was declared dead.
Kota sees an estimated 2 lakh students visiting to study here every year. In August last year, district authorities had sought that all hostel facilities take measures to prevent student suicides.
Besides conducting psychological assessments for students, the coaching centres were advised to have spring devices installed in fans which prevents death by hanging. This safety device also ensures that a blaring alarm is set off when someone attempts suicide.
However, sources had it that this coaching centre did not have the device on the fan, making it impossible for others to be alerted about the student’s extreme step.
Naveen Mittal, president, Kota Hostel Association has said that he would have the hostel blacklisted and urge the district administration to act against them for not taking preventive steps.
Also read: Kota suicides: Education Minister vows to tackle dummy schools & prioritize student well-being