HC calls for counselling to address students’ suicides

The Rajasthan high court on Wednesday sought suggestions from the state government on establishing an effective psychological counselling mechanism to address the increasing cases of suicide among students studying in coaching institutes, particularly in of Kota and Sikar districts from where a large number of coaching institutions are operating.

According to police, five students died by suicide in Kota this month while nine deaths and two attempts were reported this year in the district.

The division bench of justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava and justice Anil Kumar Upman, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) registered on the basis of suo motu cognizance, said, “... the mechanism of psychological counselling is not backed by clear provisions with regard to the eligibility or qualification of a counsellor, training, and their feedback after interacthe tion with the students, teachers, and parents. This could be addressed more effectively by seeking the services of an expert body like the Mental Health Foundation. We would request the advocate general to examine this aspect and, if necessary, submit suggestions.”

During the hearing, it has been pointed out by amicus curiae Sudhir Gupta, advocate general MS Singhvi, as well as counsel appearing for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) that, in order to address the issue, it is essential to focus on mental and psychological health issues of the students.

“On earlier dates of hearing, this court was informed that the state is collaborating with an NGO called the Mental Health Foundation. The report submitted by the state, however, does not show the response or suggestions of the Mental Health Foundation. We find NCPCR is a body of experts constituted under law to protect the rights of children. Counsel appearing for NCPCR also emphasizes the need to focus on proper psychological counselling of the students,” the bench said.

The advocate general pointed out that “counsellors have been appointed on an institutional basis”, and information in this regard has been collected and is available with the monitoring committee. “We would also request the amicus curiae to suggest to the court ways and means and any expert body that could carry out a case-based study and submit a report so that while framing an effective mechanism,” the bench responded.

POLICE SAID FIVE STUDENTS DIED BY SUICIDE IN KOTA THIS MONTH WHILE NINE DEATHS AND TWO ATTEMPTS WERE REPORTED THIS YEAR