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Source: The post is based on the article “Kota Police, coaching centres join hands to help students address mental health issues” published in The Hindu on 13th September 2023
What is the News?
Allen Career Institute and the Kota Police department have joined hands to organize a programme called ‘Creating Hope Through Action’.
The programme focused on the importance of mental health and strategies to reduce suicide rates, particularly among students.
What is the data on suicide rate in Kota among students?
According to police data, 15 students died by suicide in Kota in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, seven in 2017, 17 in 2016, and 18 in 2015.
In 2023, 23 students have died by suicide.This year has recorded the highest number of students’ suicides since 2013.
What are the steps taken by Kota Police to reduce suicide among students?
Kota Police has set up a dedicated “Student Cell” to reach out to students and make attempts to detect early signs of stress and depression.
The cell has a control room where personnel are deputed to receive calls on the dedicated helpline.
They attend to the problems reported on calls and direct them to counselors if a student needs professional help.
There are teams that conduct random checks in hostels, interact with students, counsel them and report to their parents if they spot some signs of pressure, stress or depression.
The police personnel chosen under this cell are all in their 40s and have teenage children which will help them in understanding the challenges faced by the students.
