Rahul Gandhi expresses concern over 'rising' suicide rate among youths, urges govt to ensure support
New Delhi, Aug 31: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed concern over the "rising" suicide rate among the youth and urged the government to make efforts to ease students' path by ensuring support instead of obstacles.
The "rising" suicide rate among the youth in the country is very sad and worrying, the former Congress chief said in a post on his WhatsApp channel.
In the last decade, while the population of children in the 0-24 age group decreased from 58.2 crore to 58.1 crore, the number of student suicides increased shockingly from 6,654 to 13,044, he said.
India today has the largest youth population. It is unfortunate that youths are facing difficulties and compulsions instead of being provided facilities, he said.
This is pointing towards very deep problems socially, economically and psychologically, Gandhi noted.
"Huge unemployment, paper leaks, corruption in education, expensive studies, social oppression, economic inequality, parental pressure -- today's students are trying to find success while struggling with countless such problems," he said.
"I expect the government to make every possible plan to ease this difficult path of students and youth(s), provide them support, not obstacles in their path," he said.
Parents and guardians of the students are requested to give them mental support and encouragement, the Congress leader said.
"And an appeal to the youth of the country -- raise your voice against the problems, ask questions, demand your rights -- don't be afraid!" he said.
"I stand with you and will continue to fight from the streets to Parliament to get you your rights," he said.
Gandhi's remarks come days after a new report stated that incidents of student suicides in India have grown at an alarming annual rate, surpassing the population growth rate and overall suicide trends.
Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the report -- "Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India" -- was launched on Wednesday at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.
The report pointed out that while the overall suicide numbers increased by 2 per cent annually, student suicide cases surged by 4 per cent, despite a likely "under reporting" of such cases.
"Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming annual rate of 4 per cent, double the national average. In 2022, male students constituted 53 pc (per cent) of the total student suicides.
"Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 per cent while female student suicides increased by 7 per cent," noted the report compiled by IC3 Institute.
"The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends.
"Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," it said.
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'Red' alert for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms issued in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A "red" alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms was issued for Delhi late on Sunday evening, with some parts of the national capital placed under an "orange" alert, as residents were advised to be prepared for potentially-disruptive weather conditions.
A "red" alert stands for "take action", indicating severe weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, dust storms and moderate rainfall, along with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph, are very likely over the city, with some areas expected to witness moderate thunderstorm activity.
The IMD said a "red" alert has been issued for Outer North Delhi, Northwest Delhi, West Delhi, Southwest Delhi, parts of North Delhi, Central Delhi, Northeast Delhi and Shahdara, while South Delhi, Southeast Delhi and parts of North Delhi remain under an "orange" alert. Similar thunderstorm conditions are also likely at isolated places across various locations in Delhi-NCR.
The weather office warned of likely impacts, including the breaking of large tree branches, uprooting of weak or old trees, lightning strikes at vulnerable locations, such as tall trees and electric poles, and disruption of municipal services.
"Damage to kutcha houses, huts and weak structures, partial collapse of boundary walls, difficult driving conditions and possible road accidents are also likely. Vehicles may also be damaged due to falling branches or debris," it said.
Residents have been advised to move to safe buildings, avoid weak structures and stay away from windows during the storm.
Authorities have cautioned against taking shelter under trees or going near water bodies and advised people to unplug electrical equipment and avoid contact with metallic objects, water taps and pipes. People have also been asked to park vehicles in safe locations and, if caught during the storm while driving, to pull over safely and remain inside the vehicle.
They have further been advised to stay away from electric poles and power lines and remain alert to flying debris, officials said.
