Rajasthan Education Minister blames 'love affairs' and academic pressure for rising suicides in Kota

Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has highlighted academic pressure and personal issues, including "love affairs," as significant contributors to the rising suicide rate among students in Kota, a city known for its coaching institutes. Kota, which prepares thousands of students for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and AIIMS, has witnessed a sharp increase in student suicides in recent years. As of January 2025, four student suicides have already been reported, continuing a trend from 2024, which saw at least 17 suicides. In 2023, the city recorded 27 suicides, drawing attention to the ongoing mental health crisis among students.

During a public event in Bundi on January 18, Dilawar addressed the issue of student suicides, urging parents to be more attentive and supportive of their children. He explained that many students in Kota are pressured to perform academically, often pursuing courses and careers that do not align with their interests. This, he said, leads to feelings of isolation and depression, which can eventually result in suicide. “Parents need to be attentive and careful and they should not mount pressure on their children,” Dilawar stated. He stressed the importance of understanding a child’s personal interests and providing emotional support rather than pushing them into fields they are not passionate about.

Dilawar also noted that while coaching institutes are often blamed for contributing to the high suicide rate in Kota, the social environment and peer pressure also play a crucial role. He explained that students frequently compare their academic achievements with their peers, leading to feelings of inadequacy. “Friends play a crucial part with their frequent remarks on student ranks,” he said, suggesting that these social dynamics can exacerbate stress and depression among students. Dilawar further emphasized that the intense competition in Kota adds to the emotional strain that many students face.

In addition to academic pressure, Dilawar highlighted the impact of personal issues, particularly love affairs, as contributing factors to student suicides. He explained that emotional turmoil caused by romantic relationships can lead to extreme actions, including suicide. "In some cases, there are love affairs and the students commit suicide due to that," he said. Students in Kota, often far from home, may struggle to manage personal relationships without a support system, making them more vulnerable to emotional distress.

The city of Kota, which attracts students from across India seeking admission to top engineering and medical colleges, has been under increasing scrutiny due to the high suicide rate. Experts have called for improved mental health support and better guidance for students to cope with the pressures of academic life. Mental health professionals have suggested that counseling services within coaching institutes and schools, along with better communication between parents and students, could help mitigate the crisis.

The Rajasthan government has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and is reportedly exploring ways to reduce suicides among students, although specific actions have not been outlined. Dilawar mentioned that efforts are being made to raise awareness and provide support to students. Despite the growing number of suicides in Kota, he pointed out that the overall suicide rate in the state is higher than in the city, indicating that the issue, while serious, is not isolated to Kota alone. However, the concentration of suicides in this coaching hub has raised alarms about the mental health challenges faced by students pursuing higher education.

Despite ongoing concerns about the educational environment in Kota, Dilawar maintained that the government is committed to addressing the root causes of student suicides and minimizing their occurrence not only in Kota but across the state. Authorities are considering measures to address both academic pressures and emotional well-being, with an emphasis on ensuring a supportive and balanced atmosphere for students.