Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Mental Health
– Suicide among women
– Social issues
Context
Suicide is a pressing issue in India, with the country holding the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of suicides globally.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 8th April 2024
Gone too soon — the subject of youth suicide in India
Suicide is a profound tragedy, marked by the conscious volitional act of ending one’s life. In India, it has reached alarming levels, with the country holding the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of suicides globally. Particularly distressing is the prevalence of suicide among young people, making it a critical public health concern.
Magnitude of the Problem
- India’s suicide rate reached a peak in 2022, with 1.71 lakh individuals succumbing to suicide, translating to a rate of 12.4 per 1,00,000 people.
- However, these figures likely underestimate the actual magnitude due to systemic issues such as inadequate registration systems and societal stigma.
- Young people, especially those under 30, constitute a significant portion of suicide victims, with 41% of all suicides occurring in this demographic.
- Alarmingly, suicide is the leading cause of mortality among young women in India, highlighting a pressing societal concern.
Factors Contributing to Youth Suicide
Suicide among the youth is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including biological, psychological, familial, and socio-cultural elements.
- Common Risk Factors:
- Mental health issues , traumatic family situations, academic stress, social pressures, violence, economic distress, and relationship problems are frequently cited risk factors.
- Educational System Pressure: The pressure to excel academically, fuelled by a competitive education system emphasizing exam scores, parental expectations, and societal prestige, contributes significantly to youth suicides.
- Substance Abuse and Internet Addiction: Alcohol and substance use, along with the proliferation of internet addiction, further exacerbate the risk of suicide among young people.
- Media Influence: Sensationalized media coverage of suicides, especially involving celebrities, can trigger copycat behaviour among vulnerable youth, amplifying the problem.
Women Specific Problems
Specific sociocultural factors disproportionately affect young girls and women in India, contributing to their vulnerability to suicidal behaviour:
- Arranged Marriages: Cultural norms surrounding arranged marriages can lead to marriages against their will, increasing their risk of mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
- Early Motherhood: Early motherhood, often a consequence of societal expectations or lack of access to education and resources, can exacerbate stress and feelings of inadequacy among young women, leading to heightened vulnerability to suicide.
- Domestic Violence: The prevalence of domestic violence in India, fueled by patriarchal attitudes and gender inequality, subjects many young women to physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, increasing their risk of suicidal behavior.
- Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted gender discrimination permeates various aspects of Indian society, including access to education, employment opportunities, and decision-making power, contributing to the marginalization of young women.
Preventive Measures
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy:
- The Ministry of Health launched a National Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2022 with the aim of reducing suicides by 10% by 2030.
- Inter-sectoral Collaboration: Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of the issue, the strategy emphasizes collaboration between health, education, information, and social welfare sectors.
- The strategy’s successful implementation hinges on dissemination to all states and stakeholders, adequate budgetary allocations, and concerted efforts at the state, district, and community levels.
- Holistic Approach:
- Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach addressing mental health issues, social support, and societal factors contributing to distress.
- Skill Building:
- Equipping young people with problem-solving, impulse control, and emotional regulation skills, coupled with promoting help-seeking behaviour, is crucial.
- Early Intervention:
- Early identification of mental distress and providing youth-friendly mental health care can avert suicidal behaviour.
- Family and Community Support:
- Improving family dynamics, reducing domestic violence, and fostering supportive environments can mitigate suicidal tendencies.
- Educational Reforms:
- Reforming the education system to reduce academic pressure and promote holistic development is imperative.
- Societal Changes:
- Addressing stigma and discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender identity is essential for creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
Conclusion
Addressing youth suicide in India requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the diverse factors contributing to this phenomenon. By implementing preventive measures and fostering a supportive environment for young individuals, India can strive towards reducing the incidence of youth suicide and safeguarding the well-being of its future generations.
Related Topics
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- It was established in 1986 to act as a repository of information on crime and criminals.
- It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
- It was set up based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the Task Force of the Home Ministry.
- It is responsible for collecting and analysing crime data as well as serving as a repository of such information to aid investigators in tracing crimes and criminals.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Read More: Health
References:
Related PYQ
Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society?[UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2023]
Practice Question
Explain why suicide among youth is increasing in Indian society? [150 words]