The Supreme Court expressed b displeasure over the four-day delay in filing an FIR in the suicide case of an IIT Kharagpur student. The court deemed the matter extremely serious, emphasizing that such incidents should not be taken lightly.
New Delhi: India's Supreme Court once again shone a spotlight on a dark corner of the education system on Friday. The occasion was the hearing of a petition concerning the rising number of student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan. The Supreme Court sharply reprimanded the Rajasthan government. The court not only highlighted the gravity of these cases but also questioned why Kota, specifically? While there are other coaching centers across the country, why is Kota consistently associated with these tragic events?
Kota: Education Capital or Pressure Cooker?
Kota, Rajasthan, has been a hub for competitive exam preparation for decades. Lakhs of students arrive annually to prepare for NEET, JEE, and other examinations. However, in recent years, the city has gained notoriety not for academic success but for its high number of suicides. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, questioned, "What are you, as a state, doing?"
This question followed the Rajasthan government's response stating that a SIT (Special Investigation Team) had been formed to investigate the suicides. The court further pressed, "Have you ever seriously considered why children are taking their own lives specifically in Kota?"
Questions Raised Over IIT Student's Death
The hearing was not limited to Kota. The Supreme Court also expressed its dissatisfaction with the handling of an IIT Kharagpur student's suicide. The court noted a four-day delay in filing the FIR, highlighting the administration's insensitivity. The bench stated, "Don't take these things lightly. These are serious matters concerning the lives of children."
Another case emerged during the hearing involving a NEET aspirant found hanging in her room. She was residing in Kota with her parents. This incident led the court to conclude that even students living at home are not immune to this mental pressure. The problem, therefore, is not confined to hostels; it represents a systemic failure.
Demand for a National Task Force
The Supreme Court cited a previous High Court judgment recommending the formation of a national task force to address the rising mental pressure among students. The bench emphasized the need for immediate action on this suggestion. The Supreme Court's remarks make it clear that this is not merely a Rajasthan government problem. Mental health, the education system, and the youth's psyche require collaborative efforts from both the central and state governments. Simply burdening students with books is not the solution; they need psychological support, counseling, and assistance.
