Alarming Rise in Student Suicides in Odisha

The number of student suicides in Odisha has risen significantly by 58% from 2021 to 2023, according to the state's chief minister. Data presented in the assembly shows an increase from 119 cases in 2021 to 189 in 2023, with more girl students being affected than boys. Overall, 17,778 suicides were reported in Odisha over the three-year period.

In a troubling trend, suicide rates among students in Odisha have surged by 58% over the past three years, according to information shared in the state assembly on Monday. The grim data was revealed in a written response to a query from BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed that the number of suicide cases among students climbed from 119 in 2021 to 173 in 2022, and further escalated to 189 in 2023. This disturbing pattern highlights an even more unsettling fact: the number of girl students who took their own lives during this period was 263, compared to 218 boys.

Broadening the scope, Odisha has recorded a total of 17,778 suicide cases from 2021 to 2023. Specifically, 5,649 cases were registered in 2021, 6,140 in 2022, and 5,989 in 2023, underscoring a persistent mental health crisis in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)