Odisha records 22 student suicides in 15 months; what is leading to the rise

In the past 15 months, at least 22 students have committed suicide on various campuses across Odisha. 

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi provided this information in response to a question raised by Congress MLA Sofia Firdous in the state Assembly on Monday.

Both government and private educational institutions in the state have reported cases of student suicides on their campuses.

While Rayagada recorded the highest number, with four student suicides, at least two students reportedly took their lives at the KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar during the period.

As per reports, as many as 72 students from both private and government-run educational institutions have committed suicide since 2020. The investigation points to academic pressure, examination-induced depression, personal relationship issues, bullying, peer misunderstandings, family conflicts, mobile phone restrictions in hostels, homesickness, and limited parental visits as contributing factors.

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The alarming increase in student suicide figures rose from 119 in 2021 to 173 in 2022, and further climbed to 189 in 2023.

The surge in student suicides in Odisha has highlighted the urgent need for mental health support within the state's educational institutions.