Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed concern over the recent spate of suicides in Kota, a major education hub in the state. In the last 8 months, at least 20 students have committed suicide, mostly due to academic pressure.
Gehlot has ordered a high-level probe into the matter and has also directed the district administration to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. He has also asked the education department to ensure that students are not stressed out by academic pressure.
The chief minister's concern is understandable. Kota is known for its coaching institutes that prepare students for competitive exams such as the IIT-JEE and NEET. The pressure to succeed in these exams can be very high, and it is not surprising that some students crack under the pressure.
The government needs to take steps to address the issue of academic pressure in Kota. This could include providing more counseling services to students, making sure that coaching institutes do not put too much pressure on students, and creating a more supportive environment for students.
It is important to remember that suicide is never the answer. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).