Rajasthan Govt to Introduce Suicide Prevention Bill for Coaching Students

• 29 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government, has informed the Rajasthan High Court that it has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at suicide prevention among coaching students. The Rajasthan HC took suo motu cognizance of the issue. 

• This move comes in response to the alarming increase in student suicides, particularly in Kota, known as India’s coaching hub. 

Key Points 

• Rising Suicides in Kota: Since the start of 2025, six coaching students have died by suicide, adding to the long-standing crisis. Over the past decade, 127 suicide cases have been recorded, with 26 cases in 2023 and 17 in 2024.    
• Impact on Kota’s Reputation: The ongoing crisis has negatively affected Kota's status as a coaching hub, leading to declining student enrollments. 
• Need for Mental Health Support: The rising cases of student suicides highlight the inadequacy of current measures, emphasizing the need for stronger mental health support and stress management strategies. 

Suo Moto Cognizance 

• A Suo Moto cognizance is a Latin term which means an action taken by a government agency, court or other central authority on their own apprehension. 
• A court takes a Suo Moto Cognizance of a legal matter when it receives information about the violation of rights or breach of duty through media or a third party’s notification. 
• Article 32 of the Indian Constitution and Article 226 of the Indian Constitution lay down the provisions for filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Supreme Court and High Courts respectively.  
  • This has given rise to the court's power to initiate legal action on their cognizance of a matter.      
  • Suo Moto’s actions by Indian courts are a reflection of judicial activism. 

Other Initiatives Related to Suicide Prevention in India 

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): 
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented in 738 districts, offering outpatient services, counselling, continuing care, and a 10-bedded inpatient facility at the district level. 
• National Tele Mental Health Programme: Launched in 2022 to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services across the country. 
  • As of December 2023, 34 States/UTs have established 46 Tele MANAS Cells, handling over 500,000 calls on the helpline. 
  • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline "KIRAN" to provide mental health support.