Kota, a prominent coaching destination in Rajasthan for students preparing for medical and engineering exams, has witnessed a significant 38% reduction in student suicides in 2024. The district documented 16 suicide cases this year, down from 26 in 2023. Local authorities attribute this positive trend to the stringent enforcement of guidelines and protocols in coaching centers and hostels, as well as various initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive academic atmosphere.
Key measures credited with this decline include training for hostel wardens based on World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, the SOS Help program, and initiatives such as ‘Dinner with Collector’ and ‘Samwad’ for student engagement. Additionally, the police have established the Kalika Squad to enhance safety for female students.
Dr. Ravindra Goswami, the district collector, emphasized that the significant decrease in suicides reflects the success of their ongoing efforts, expressing hope that this trend will persist. Throughout the year, Dr. Goswami personally interacted with over 25,000 students, providing them with career guidance and addressing their concerns.
The administration, in collaboration with stakeholders in the coaching industry, launched the ‘Kota Cares’ initiative during the recent Kota Mahotsav, which celebrated the city’s role in shaping the futures of over one crore students nationwide. This initiative aims to reinforce the commitment of Kota’s coaching institutions to high standards and improved facilities.
Despite the positive developments, the coaching sector in Kota has faced challenges in 2024 due to negative media coverage surrounding student suicides. This situation, coupled with new regulatory measures and the opening of around 100 branches of Kota institutes across India, has impacted the revenue of the coaching hub.
