Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has sparked debate with his recent remarks attributing some student suicides in Kota to “love affairs.” He emphasized the importance of parental vigilance and cautioned against putting excessive academic pressure on children.
Rising Suicides in Kota
Kota, a well-known coaching hub, has witnessed a worrying trend in student suicides. In 2024 alone, 17 cases have been reported, with four occurring in just the first three weeks of the year.
Speaking after a program in Bundi, where land ownership cards were issued, Dilawar addressed the issue. “In some cases, there are love affairs, and students commit suicide due to that,” he stated.
Parental Responsibility Highlighted
Dilawar urged parents to be attentive to their children’s movements and behavior. “Parents must monitor their children and avoid pressuring them to study. When children are forced into fields they’re not interested in, they can fall into depression and fail,” he explained.
He also suggested that while coaching institutes play a minimal role, peer pressure and remarks from friends about ranks contribute significantly to the mental health challenges faced by students.
Need for a Balanced Approach
The minister’s comments underline the need for a holistic approach to addressing student mental health. While Kota remains a hub for aspiring professionals, its environment is often criticized for fostering stress and unrealistic expectations among students.
The Bigger Picture
As student suicides continue to rise, there’s growing concern about the lack of mental health resources and support systems for students in Kota. The government and educational institutions must collaborate to create a nurturing and less stressful learning environment.
