Student suicides at central educational institutes: REACHING OUT

Source: The post student suicides at central educational institutes has been created, based on the article “REACHING OUT: IT-Delhi’s initiative to help students who are struggling academically is much-needed and heartening” published in “Indian express” on 9th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– governance-Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News: The article discusses the issue of student suicides at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) due to academic pressure. It mentions IIT-Delhi’s efforts to support students struggling academically and highlights the high number of suicides among marginalized groups in these institutes.

For details information on student suicides read Article 1, Article 2

What is the current status of student suicides at central educational institutes?

Rising Trend: Central educational institutes, including IITs, are witnessing an increase in student suicides.

Recent Data: In 2024 alone, five suicides were reported at various IITs.

Five-Year Statistics: From the past five years, there have been 98 suicides in central educational institutes.

Marginalized Groups Affected: Nearly 50% of those who committed suicide in IITs since 2018 were from SC, ST, and OBC communities.

What are the reasons behind student suicides at central educational institutes?

Academic Pressure: Intense competition and academic demands at institutes like IITs are major reasons.

Expectations and Failure: For many students, especially those with years of hard work and high family expectations, failure becomes unbearable.

Socioeconomic Background: Students from marginalized communities feel additional pressure, as success in these institutes is often seen as the only way out of poverty.

What initiatives have been taken to address the issue of student suicides at central educational institutes?

Establishment of APG: IIT-Delhi set up an Academic Progress Group (APG) after Anil Kumar’s suicide to assist students struggling academically.

Identifying At-Risk Students: The APG has identified 192 undergraduates as “academically adrift,” offering targeted support.

Allowing Family Stay: In exceptional cases, students have been allowed to stay with a family member on campus, promoting emotional support.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Academic Progress Group (APG) established by IIT-Delhi in addressing academic struggles and preventing student suicides at central educational institutes.