A parliamentary panel requests that the health ministry establish a helpline for students who fail exams

An immediate response to the mental health crisis has been demanded by a parliamentary committee in the aftermath of an alarming increase in suicides among students and jobless young people. The committee has proposed that a 24-hour hotline be set up by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide guidance and assistance to young people who fail competitive examinations and are at danger of suicide.

The sad statistic that students and young people without jobs in the nation have been reported to have the highest suicide rates was brought up by the parliamentary panel. Despite this alarming finding, farmer suicides, which are often described as a national catastrophe, have gotten more attention and concern than student suicides. The committee emphasized the need to end the stigma associated with mental health problems and encouraged the government to provide mental health treatment top priority in order to safeguard the population of vulnerable young.

The committee urged for the creation of a thorough National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) to address the mental health problem. According to a PTI article, this policy intends to cut the country’s suicide rate by 10% by 2030. The committee emphasized the need of offering mental health treatments that are especially suited to children, adolescents, and young adults. The panel also advocated hiring professionals who had undergone additional training to comprehend the particular requirements of these groups.

Under the ‘Manodarpan’ project, the committee suggested that a specialized cadre of co-counselors be established in every school. These co-counselors would concentrate on developing inclusive learning environments that gave students’ social and emotional development first priority.

The committee also advised the government to set up a 24-hour hotline to communicate with adolescents who miss out on qualifying for competitive examinations like the UPSC CSE, NEET, SSC, JEE, etc. by a little margin and provide them advice to prevent suicide, according to PTI.

The panel advised the government to design mental health services for teenagers, young adults, and children and to work with professionals who are specially qualified to comprehend these individuals’ needs.It also suggested that as part of the “Manodarpan” effort, a committed group of co-counselors be established in every school.