Rajasthan: Kota hostels use nets to make premises ‘suicide proof’

After Spring-Loaded Fans, Kota Hostels Use Nets To 'Suicide Proof'


Kota, a city in Rajasthan, is known as the coaching hub of India. Every year, over two lakh students come to Kota to prepare for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. However, the pressure to perform well and crack these exams has taken a toll on the mental health of many students. According to authorities, 20 students preparing for competitive exams in Kota have died by suicide so far in 2023 - the highest for any year.

To prevent such tragic incidents, the Kota district administration has taken some measures to make the hostels and PG accommodations 'suicide proof'. One of these measures is to install spring-loaded fans in the rooms of the students. These fans have a spring device that will detach the fan from the ceiling if any weight is applied to it¹³. The idea is to foil any attempt by a student to hang themselves from the fan.

However, some hostel owners have gone a step further and installed 'anti-suicide nets' in the balconies and lobbies of their buildings. These nets are made of strong materials that can hold weight up to 150 kg and prevent any student from jumping from higher floors or terrace. Some hostel owners have also used nets made of steel wires that are not easily visible but are very difficult to cut or remove.

The hostel owners said that such steps are crucial to avoid any untoward incident and also to reassure the parents who are far away from their children. They also said that it is bad for business if a suicide happens in their hostel as it affects the reputation and causes other students to shift to other places.

However, not everyone is convinced that these measures are effective or sufficient to address the larger issue of stress and mental health among the students. Some mental health experts and student activists have criticized these measures as superficial and insensitive. They have argued that instead of focusing on physical barriers, the authorities and the coaching institutes should focus on providing psychological support and counseling to the students. They have also demanded that the government should regulate the coaching industry and ensure quality education and infrastructure for the students.

The issue of student suicides in Kota has been a matter of concern for a long time. Despite several initiatives and campaigns by various stakeholders, the problem persists and even worsens. The question remains: how can we prevent student suicides in Kota? Is it enough to make the hostels 'suicide proof' or do we need to make the education system more humane and supportive?

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(2) After 20 suicides in IIT-JEE hub, spring-loaded fans now a must in Kota. https://odishatv.in/news/national/after-20-suicides-in-iit-jee-hub-spring-loaded-fans-now-a-must-in-kota-213350.
(3) How to Prevent Student Suicides? Kota Administration Thinks Spring-Loaded Fans Are the Solution. https://www.news18.com/education-career/kota-hostels-to-install-spring-loaded-fans-amid-increase-in-student-suicide-cases-8540651.html.
(6) Rajasthan: Kota hostels use nets to make premises ‘suicide proof’ - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/rajasthan-kota-hostels-use-nets-to-make-premises-suicide-proof/ar-AA1fRcDw.
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