Kota Hostels use nets to make balconies and lobbies “suicide proof” in place of spring-loaded fans

To deter students from taking extreme measures, “anti-suicide nets” are now being put on the balconies and lobby areas of hostels in the coaching hotspot of Kota in addition to spring-loaded fans in the rooms. Such “suicide proof” measures, according to hostel operators, are essential to prevent fatal occurrences.

Every year, more than two lakh students relocate to Kota to study for competitive tests like the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school entrance and the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering. Authorities report that 20 students in Kota who were prepared for competitive examinations have already committed suicide this year, the most of any year. The amount was 15 the previous year.

“To prevent students from jumping from higher stories, we have put large nets in every lobby and on every balcony. These nets can support weight up to 150 kg and protect students from harm, according to Vinod Gautam, proprietor of the ladies’ dormitory Vishalakshi Residency, which has more than 200 rooms spread over eight stories. He thought that these nets and the spring coils in the fans would assist to stop any unfavorable events.

“No suicides have occurred in my hostel so far, but we must be prepared. As they are far away from their children, parents often get anxious, so these steps will offer them peace of mind, he added. Gautam said he had a suspicion that the pupils may discover a way out.

Therefore, we are erecting steel wire nets, which are not particularly apparent but are highly robust and cannot be cut or removed without specialized equipment. This nets’ installation is now being done. In Mumbai, several multi-story structures use this layout. Saving lives is more essential than the expense, he added. Iron netting have reportedly been put in all lobbies, windows, and balconies, according to a different hostel owner who wished to remain anonymous.

“The majority of students kill themselves by hanging from a fan or by leaping from upper floors or a patio. To prevent any tragedies, we have put in place safeguards for both. Additionally, it is detrimental for business because after a suicide, students in that dorm begin moving to other dorms or PGs, the man said. Following the suicides of four Kota students this month, the coaching center is once again under the spotlight.

Deputy Commissioner O P Bunkar responded to a question regarding whether such measures in hostels and PGs can assist 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 may be useful in thwarting any effort that a student could make in the heat of the moment. If that effort fails, pupils may be counseled and other safeguards can also be put in place,” he added.

At a meeting with other stakeholders on August 12, Kota authorities addressed the “anti-suicide measure” of adding spring coils to fans. Bunkar provided the instructions later and demanded absolute adherence.

The gadget operates as follows: It is difficult to commit suicide with a fan if anything heavier than 20 kg is hanged from it since the spring connecting to it stretches. A siren also sounds simultaneously. The Kota Hostels Association has debated the proposal back in 2017.

However, the city’s estimated 25,000 hotels and other accommodations for paying guests, where thousands of students from all across the nation enroll each year to study for difficult tests, did not take to it.