The coaching hub of Kota has taken a significant step in addressing the distressing surge in student suicides within the district. Recognizing the need for immediate intervention, they have enlisted the support of wardens, mess workers, and tiffin service providers to keep a vigilant eye on students residing in hostels and PG accommodations across the city.

Community Involvement in Suicide Prevention

Kota police have rallied mess workers and tiffin providers to report any concerning behavior promptly. This includes students repeatedly missing meals or being absent from the mess. In addition, wardens are actively participating in the ‘Darwaze pe dastak’ (knock on the door) campaign.

“We have launched a campaign called ‘Darwaze pe dastak’ where we are encouraging wardens to make it a routine to knock on each student’s door at around 11 pm, ask them if they are okay, notice their activities, and keep a vigil just to ensure that there are no signs of stress, depression, or abnormal activity,” said Chandrasheel Thakur, ASP, Kota.

“After coaching, the students spend maximum time in hostels, and hence wardens should be the first ones to notice the signs,” Thakur added.

Alarming Statistics

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the disheartening statistics. In 2023 alone, Kota has witnessed 22 student suicides. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, where the number stood at 15. The most recent incidents occurred on August 27, when two NEET aspirants tragically took their own lives within hours of each other.

Avishkar Shambaji Kasle, a 17-year-old student, jumped from the sixth floor of his coaching institute’s building in Jawahar Nagar after completing a test on August 27. Tragically, another incident unfolded around four hours later, as 18-year-old Adarsh Raj, also preparing for a competitive exam, hanged himself in his rented accommodation under the Kunhadi police station area.

Early Detection and Intervention

The coaching hub’s initiative is driven by the belief that early detection is crucial in preventing such tragedies. Chandrasheel Thakur emphasized, “The idea is to detect these early signs. If any student is repetitively missing classes or skipping meals, there has to be something. We want to identify these children and get them counselled before they get pushed to the brim.”

To facilitate this initiative, a dedicated helpline has been established. Wardens, mess workers, and tiffin providers are encouraged to use this number to share any information they may have concerning students exhibiting signs of distress or unusual behavior.

Innovative Measures

In a somewhat controversial move aimed at curbing student suicides, the Kota administration implemented a unique strategy last month. They mandated that all hostels and paying guest (PG) accommodations in the city replace their conventional ceiling fans with spring-loaded ones.

This innovative step aims to create a safer environment for students by reducing the potential for self-harm incidents involving ceiling fans. While it has generated some controversy, the administration’s commitment to student well-being is evident.

In conclusion, Kota’s coaching hub is taking proactive measures to address the concerning rise in student suicides. By involving wardens, mess workers, and tiffin providers in the process, they hope to detect signs of stress and depression early, ensuring that students receive the support they need. The introduction of spring-loaded ceiling fans further highlights their dedication to creating a safer environment for the students under their care.