Student suicides accounted for 7.6% of all suicides reported across the country in 2022. While this marked a slight decline from 8.0% in 2021 and 8.2% in 2020, the numbers still indicate a deeply concerning trend. The data, drawn from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), was shared in the national parliament this week by the Minister of State for Education.

The figures reveal more than just statistics. They show a burden silently carried by young minds, many of whom are struggling in ways that go unnoticed.

Government departments, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, have initiated new efforts.

One such step is the 'MANODARPAN' initiative, a programme offering psychological support through counselling helplines and live sessions.

The programme has already reached a large number of students across the country.

Alongside this, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) has been expanded to cover 767 districts.

It focuses on suicide prevention and teaches life skills in both schools and colleges. Mental health is also being tied closely with addiction awareness.