Introduction
In a bid to address the concerning rise in student suicides, a meeting was convened on Monday where several crucial decisions were made by representatives of coaching institutes, hostel associations, and government officials. The meeting was chaired by Bhawani Singh Detha, the principal secretary of higher and technical education, through a video conference.
One of the prominent decisions put forward during the meeting was the introduction of ‘half-day study, half-day fun’ on one weekday. This initiative aims to strike a balance between academic commitments and recreational activities, thus reducing the mental strain on students. Additionally, to tackle the increasing instances of student suicides, a system for identifying students with suicidal tendencies will be established, followed by providing them with essential psychological counseling.
Coaching institutes were directed to form committees comprised of subject experts. The purpose of these committees is to curtail the excessive course load on students, consequently alleviating the pressure they face. As part of the efforts to promote positivity and motivation, coaching institutes have also been instructed to conduct online motivational sessions by experts and share them on social media platforms.
Furthermore, it was decided that every Wednesday will be designated as a day of ‘half-day study, half-day fun.’ On these days, routine tests will be suspended for the next two days. Additionally, an assessment form will be developed to gauge students’ mental well-being on a daily basis.
Kota City SP Sharad Chaudhary proposed the establishment of an exclusive police station dedicated to students. Building on the existing students’ police helpdesk, this initiative aims to address the specific concerns and challenges faced by students in a more streamlined manner.
Kota district collector expresses concern
Expressing his concern over the alarming rate of student suicides, Kota district collector O P Bunkar emphasized the need for immediate and long-term measures. He highlighted that the decisions taken during the meeting would contribute to alleviating students’ stress and fostering a favorable environment for their growth.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by the recent suicides of two NEET aspirants on Sunday, which prompted this meeting. So far in 2023, a total of 22 students have tragically taken their own lives, marking the highest annual count to date. The gravity of the situation has led to a call for action to implement strategies that prioritize the well-being of these students.
Conclusion
In response to these alarming statistics, the committee headed by Bhawani Singh Detha, formed under the guidance of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, will conduct an on-site evaluation in Kota on September 2. The committee’s recommendations, along with the decisions made in this crucial meeting, are anticipated to bring about a positive change in the academic environment and support mechanisms for students in Kota.
