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.
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