Kota, a hub for coaching centers in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is taking drastic measures to prevent suicides among students. The district administration has mandated the installation of spring-loaded fans in all hostel rooms and paying guest accommodations following a disturbing rise in suicide cases.
The order, issued by Kota district collector Om Prakash Bunkar, aims to provide mental support and security to the students studying and living in these accommodations. It also aims to address the increasing trend of suicides among coaching students.
This order is a response to the recent suicide of an 18-year-old student who was preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Sadly, this incident marks the fourth suicide in Kota this month, and the 22nd suicide of the year, the highest in the past eight years.
Kota is known as the nerve center of India’s competitive test-preparation industry, attracting around 225,000 students every year. Many students from across the country come to Kota with hopes of securing a place in top engineering or medical schools. However, the intense pressure, fear of failure, and cutthroat competition in the coaching industry have taken a toll on the mental health of students.
A survey conducted by mental wellness startup Lissun revealed that 4 out of 10 students in Kota are struggling with depression. The reasons behind these tragic occurrences are multifaceted, encompassing academic, physical, and psychological stressors. To address these issues, a previous order issued in December 2022 outlined several measures for student welfare, including a maximum class-strength of 80, mandatory psychological evaluations for students and teachers, and a weekly off for students.
The recent rise in suicides has caught the attention of the Rajasthan High Court, which is seeking solutions for student mental health. The court has emphasized the need for psychological counseling and is even considering introducing a bill specifically tailored for coaching institutes in Rajasthan.
The move to install spring-loaded fans in hostel rooms and paying guest accommodations is aimed at providing additional support and security to students. The Kota administration hopes that this measure, along with the previously implemented measures, will help prevent further suicides and create a safer environment for students.
While the installation of spring-loaded fans may seem like a drastic step, it reflects the urgency and concern surrounding the mental health of students in Kota. It is a reminder of the need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of stress and promote student well-being.
With the Rajasthan High Court and the district administration actively addressing the issue, there is hope for positive changes in the coaching industry. The focus on psychological counseling and student welfare measures will hopefully alleviate the immense pressure students face and create a healthier and more supportive environment.
In conclusion, the mandate for installing spring-loaded fans in all hostel rooms and paying guest accommodations in Kota is a response to the increasing suicide cases among coaching students. It highlights the concern for student well-being and the need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of stress. With the Rajasthan High Court and the district administration taking action, there is hope for improved mental health support and a safer environment for students in Kota.
