Authorities report that 20 Kota students studying for competitive examinations have ended their own lives so far in 2023, the most of any year.
Digital Desk: In addition to spring-loaded fans in the bedrooms, "anti-suicide nets" are already being put on the balconies and lobby areas of hostels in Kota, a coaching centre, to deter students from taking drastic measures. In order to prevent catastrophic situations, hostel managers indicated that such measures to make their facilities "suicide-proof" are essential.
Every year, more than two lakh students relocate to Kota to study for competitive tests like the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school admission.
Authorities report that 20 Kota students studying for competitive examinations have ended their own lives so far in 2023, the most of any year. The figure was 15 last year.
"To prevent students from jumping from higher floors, we have put huge nets in every lobby and on every balcony. These nets can support weights up to 150 kg and also ensure that students don't get injured, according to Vinod Gautam, owner of Vishalakshi Residency, a girls' hostel with more than 200 rooms spread across eight storeys.
He thought that the spring coils in the fans and these netting would help to stop any unfavourable events.
"So far, no suicide has taken place in my hostel, but we still need to be prepared. As they are far away from their children, parents frequently become anxious, and these steps will give them comfort, he said. Gautam stated that he thought students might discover a way out.
"So we are installing nets made of steel wires, which are not largely visible but are very strong, and it is not possible to cut or remove them without professional equipment. This nets' installation is now being done. In Mumbai, numerous multi-story structures employ this arrangement. Saving lives is more essential than the expense, he said.
Iron nets have reportedly been put in all lobbies, windows, and balconies, according to different hostel owners.
"Most college students make an attempt at suicide by hanging from a fan, jumping from higher stories, or hanging from the terrace. For both, we have put safety precautions in place. The fact that students in one hostel start moving to other hostels or PGs after a suicide occurs affects business, too, he added.
Four Kota students committed suicide this month, refocusing attention on the coaching hotspot.
Deputy Commissioner OP Bunkar responded to a question regarding whether such measures in hostels and other student housing may help address the more general problem of student stress by saying, "We are taking several measures, right from routine psychological tests of children to effective communication with parents."
"However, precautions like spring-loaded fans can be useful in stopping any attempt that a student could make in the heat of the moment. If that effort fails, students can be counselled and other safeguards can also be put in place," he said.
At a meeting with other stakeholders on August 12, Kota officials addressed the "anti-suicide measure" of adding spring coils to fans. Later, Mr. Bunkar delivered the directives and sternly demanded compliance.
The device operates as follows: A spring attached to the fan expands if something heavier than 20 kg is hanging from it, making it impossible for someone to commit suicide using this approach. A siren also goes off simultaneously.
The Kota Hostels Association discussed the proposal back in 2017, but it was not well received by the city's 25,000 or so paying guests, where thousands of students from around the nation enrol in coaching centres each year to prepare for competitive exams
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