25 student suicides since 2018 are ragging-related, UGC says in RTI response
Context
According to data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), at least 25 students have committed themselves during the past five and a half years as a result of being subjected to ragging.
According to the UGC, these complaints were lodged with the central body between January 1, 2018, and August 1, 2023, according to a response to a Right to Information (RTI) request made by RTI activist Chandrashekhar Gaur.
What is the severity of Ragging cases in India?
Ragging incidents in India may vary in degree and impact, but they are frequently connected to negative outcomes. Although not all raging incidents result in dramatic outcomes, there is a real chance that something bad could happen. The following are some factors that make the ragging scenario in India alarming:
- Physical and mental harm: Many ragging incidents entail physical and mental abuse, leaving victims with physical wounds and psychic distress. Some victims can experience serious mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Fatal Repercussions: Tragically, ragging has occasionally resulted in student suicides. These incidents demonstrate the severe emotional suffering and trauma that raging victims may endure.
- Underreporting: Many ragging victims keep the incidents quiet out of anxiety for retaliation, social stigma, or other factors. The true number of cases may thus be much higher than what has been officially reported.
- Insufficient Support: Some educational institutions may not have suitable support systems in place for ragging victims. Without counselling or aid, victims may feel abandoned and alone.
- Impact on Academic Performance: Due to the emotional toll that ragging has on victims, it might cause a drop in academic performance. Their overall school experience and future opportunities may be impacted by this.
How can we prevent these suicides from happening?
- Increase Mental Health Awareness: Launch efforts to increase public understanding of mental health concerns, combat stigma, and promote candid communication.
- To inform teachers, staff, and students about the symptoms of mental distress and how to provide support, and hold workshops, seminars, and orientation sessions.
- Accessible Mental Health Services: Make sure that all students can readily access, have access to, and use the on-campus counselling services.
- Create a text line or 24-hour crisis hotline for pupils who require assistance right away. We have a Sanjeevani hotline in India that can help those people who are at the crossroads of ending life.
- Resources and Instruction: Teach academics, staff, and resident advisors how to spot distress in students and direct them to the right help.
- Inform people on and off campus about the available local resources for mental health.
- Peer support initiatives: Implement peer support programs or groups where trained students can assist their peers emotionally.
- To promote a sense of community and belonging, encourage open communication among the pupils.
