Bhubaneswar, Sept 3: Odisha saw a tragic increase in student suicides, with 189 cases reported—a significant 59% jump from the 119 cases recorded in 2021. This data was presented in the state Assembly on Monday, in response to a query by MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that between 2021 and 2023, a total of 481 students, including 218 boys and 263 girls, died by suicide across the state. The figures for 2021 showed 119 suicides (58 boys and 61 girls), while 2023 saw this number rise to 189 (85 boys and 104 girls). In 2022, the number stood at 173, with 75 boys and 98 girls falling victim to suicide.
The data highlighted a concerning trend: the suicide rate among female students surged by approximately 70% from 2021 to 2023, a much higher increase compared to their male counterparts.
Additionally, the Chief Minister noted that only four farmer suicides were reported in the state from 2021 to 2023. Despite the overall decline in suicide cases in Odisha—5,989 in 2023, down from 6,140 in 2022—the sharp rise in student suicides remains a significant concern.
Dr. Amrit Pattojoshi, Honorary Secretary of the Indian Psychiatric Society, attributed this disturbing trend to several factors, including intense academic pressure, high expectations from society and families, and a lack of emotional support due to busy parental schedules. He also pointed out that excessive use of gadgets and social media, failed relationships, substance abuse, and social isolation contribute to the worsening situation, exacerbated by a lack of societal empathy.
