Kota authorities take measures after student suicides: Halt routine tests

Pressures faced by aspirants

In response to a distressing wave of student suicides, authorities in Rajasthan's Kota district have taken a significant step to address the issue. They have directed coaching institutes to temporarily cease conducting routine tests for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. The move comes as a response to the alarming increase in suicides among aspirants and aims to provide crucial mental support during a challenging time.

Every year, over two lakh students flock to Kota to prepare for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admissions. Unfortunately, the intense pressure and competition associated with these exams have taken a toll on some students' mental well-being, leading to tragic consequences.

Rising suicides prompt drastic measures

The gravity of the situation has prompted authorities to intervene and implement measures to mitigate the crisis. Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, 22 students preparing for competitive exams in Kota have taken their own lives, marking the highest number for any year. Last year, this number stood at 15, underscoring the escalating nature of the issue.

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In a heart-wrenching turn of events, two students took their lives on a single Sunday. Avishkar Shambaji Kasle, a 17-year-old aspirant, jumped from the sixth floor of his coaching institute's building just moments after finishing a mock NEET test. Similarly, Adarsh Raj, an 18-year-old also preparing for competitive exams, hanged himself in his rented accommodation. The common thread linking these tragedies is the immense pressure students face due to subpar performances in routine tests conducted by coaching centers.

Authorities intervene to provide mental support

Reacting swiftly to the disturbing situation, Kota's district collector, OP Bunkar, issued an order on Sunday night. This directive mandated coaching institutes to suspend routine tests for the next two months, with the underlying goal of extending mental support to students. By temporarily halting these assessments, authorities aim to alleviate the psychological burden on aspirants and foster a healthier atmosphere that encourages holistic development.

The decision by authorities in Kota district to halt routine tests for a period of two months sends a powerful message about the importance of student well-being in the pursuit of academic excellence. The escalating number of student suicides has prompted a reevaluation of the existing educational environment, underscoring the necessity for a balanced approach to preparing for competitive exams. As the education system navigates these challenges, the focus on mental health and holistic development emerges as a pivotal aspect of nurturing the next generation. The temporary suspension of routine tests signifies a step toward creating a more compassionate and supportive educational ecosystem that values not only academic achievement but also the overall well-being of the youth.

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