In a matter of great concern, Odisha recorded higher suicide rate than the national average in 2021.
As per the latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), while the average suicide rate in India is 12 per cent, Odisha has reported 12.3 per cent suicide cases.
As per the latest survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of suicides is increasing among the youth. Around 10 lakh people across the globe are committing suicide every year. While, a person is killing himself by committing suicide every 40 seconds, a person is trying to commit suicide in every three seconds around the globe.
NCRB’s latest survey report suggests that around 1,64,000 persons committed suicide in India in 2021. Among them, 5,651 persons in Odisha committed suicide in the same year which is higher than the national average.
Among those who committed suicide in the State in 2021, 4,412 are male and 1,239 are female.
As per reports, the number of suicides has doubled in 2021 in comparison to 2020 in Odisha. As many as 71 per cent of people are committing suicide due to domestic issues in the State.
When September 10 is being observed as World Suicide Prevention Day, social scientists and psychologists in Odisha have expressed their concern over the increasing number of suicides in the State.
“There are social, political, and family reasons behind the propensity of committing suicide across the country. It is mainly a psychological problem. The family friends and experts need to address these psychological issues to prevent suicide,” said social worker Rutuparna Mohanty.