Rajasthan

• 29 Jan 2025

Rajasthan Govt to Introduce Suicide Prevention Bill for Coaching Students

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.