Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 24 : In the wake of the Supreme Court expressing concern over the increasing number of student suicides in Rajasthan's Kota, Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa reaffirmed the state government's commitment to addressing the issue, stating that several measures have been initiated to curb such incidents.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured that a comprehensive strategy was in place, including monitoring coaching centres and regulating student numbers, and appealed to parents and coaching centres to ease the pressure on students.
Speaking to ANI, Bairwa said, "We have formed a dedicated committee to tackle this issue, involving key officials like the district collector and SP, to keep a close watch on coaching centres and the well-being of students."
He further highlighted the recent passage of a bill aimed at regulating the operations of coaching centres, including limits on student capacity and fee structures, as part of the state's broader efforts to address student welfare.
Bairwa also urged parents to reconsider their pressures on their children, recognising that excessive academic demands contribute to the mental strain on students.
"We appeal to parents not to put undue pressure on their children. The emotional well-being of students is just as important as their academic achievements," he said.
Along with the plea to parents, Bairwa called for greater responsibility from coaching centres, urging them to implement counselling services for students and to ensure a more supportive environment for their growth.
"Coaching centres should ensure that students are not overwhelmed, and they must take proactive steps to provide mental health support. They should provide counselling to students. Our government is committed to ensuring that students do not commit suicide. We need everyone's support for this," he said.
The statement comes after the Supreme Court on Friday criticised the Rajasthan government for not doing enough to prevent the rise in student suicides in Kota--a city widely recognised as India's coaching hub.
In response to the crisis, the Rajasthan government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the suicide cases. However, the apex court expressed dissatisfaction with the steps taken so far and called for more assertive and comprehensive intervention.