Rajasthan Education Minister Sparks Row, Claims ‘Love Affairs’ Behind Student Suicides In Kota

SOURCE ; NEW18

Last Updated:January 18, 2025, 23:08 IST

Four students in Kota have died by suicide this year. The city, a prominent hub for coaching institutes, witnessed 17 such cases in 2024

Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar on Saturday sparked controversy after he linked “love affairs” as the contributing factor to the growing number of student suicides in Kota, a prominent hub for coaching institutes in the country.

His comments came after four students took their own lives in the city this year, with a total of 17 suicides reported in 2024.

Dilawar, who also holds the Panchayati Raj portfolio, spoke to reporters after a programme in Bundi where land ownership SVAMITVA cards were issued to beneficiaries. When asked about the student suicides in Kota, the minister stressed the importance of parents being more attentive to their children and avoiding putting undue pressure on them to perform academically.

“I would honestly like to urge, though my words may annoy some people, that the parents need to be attentive and careful and they should not mount pressure on their kids,” Dilawar said.

The minister stressed that every student has individual interests and that forcing them to pursue goals that don’t align with their passions could lead to depression and failure.

While Dilawar acknowledged that coaching institutes may have limited influence on student suicides, he suggested that friends and their comments about academic performance could play a significant role in students’ mental health. He further added that in some cases, “love affairs” might be a triggering factor for such tragic incidents.

The minister called for parents to be more vigilant about their children’s activities, highlighting that when they fail to notice warning signs, students may make choices that lead them down a dangerous path.

(With inputs from PTI)

Location :

Rajasthan, India