How Kota is trying to prevent student suicides with spring-loaded fans

Kota is a city in Rajasthan that is famous for its coaching centres that prepare students for competitive exams like NEET & JEE. However, it is also infamous for the high number of student suicides that happen every year due to the immense pressure and stress that they face. In 2023 alone, around 20 student suicides have been reported from Kota, mostly by hanging.

 To prevent such tragic incidents, the state government has decided to install spring-loaded fans in all the hostels and paying guest (PG) accommodations in Kota. These fans are designed to detach from the ceiling when they detect an increase in load, thereby preventing students from hanging themselves. They also have sensors that trigger an alarm in case of an attempted suicide.

 The district collector of Kota has issued an order directing all hostel and PG operators to install these security devices in every room. The order stated, “To provide mental support and security to students studying/living in them and to prevent suicides from increasing among coaching students in Kota city, all hostel/PG operators in the state are directed to install a security spring device in the fans at every room”.

 However, some experts and activists have questioned the effectiveness of this measure. They argue that it does not address the root causes of the problem, such as the mental health and well-being of the students, the quality of education and coaching, and the support system available for them.

 They suggest that there is a need for a holistic approach that includes psychological counseling, emotional support, academic guidance, and social interaction for the students. They also urge the parents, teachers, and society not to put unrealistic expectations on the students, but rather encourage them to pursue their dreams and goals. They also recommend that coaching centres should be transformed into “happiness centres” and students should be taught how to cope with failures.

 The state government has also formed a committee comprising of coaching directors, parents, and guardians of students to submit a report within 15 days on suggestions to check suicides. The committee will look into various aspects such as the mental health and well-being of the students, the quality of education and coaching, and the support system available for them.

 The issue of student suicides in Kota has been a matter of national concern for many years. A documentary film titled “The Kota Factory” highlighted the plight of the students who struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and fear of failure while preparing for competitive exams in Kota. The film also showed how some coaching centres exploit the students by charging exorbitant fees and making false promises.

 The installation of spring-loaded fans is a welcome step by the state government to prevent student suicides in Kota. However, it is not enough to solve the problem. There is a need for a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the mental, emotional, academic, and social needs of the students. The students should not be treated as mere numbers or machines, but as human beings with dreams and aspirations. They should be given the opportunity to explore their potential and pursue their passion. They should also be provided with a supportive and nurturing environment that helps them to cope with their challenges and emotions. Only then can Kota become a hub of not only coaching centres, but also of happiness and success.

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