Despite a rise in student suicides in Odisha, educational institutions have failed to establish adequate support systems to assist students grappling with mental health issues such as depression, stress, and academic pressure.
According to recent reports, Odisha’s higher education institutions have yet to implement the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s 2023 guidelines, which mandate the creation of student service centres aimed at addressing mental health challenges. These centres are expected to provide students with access to counselling services, including online consultations, telephone helplines, and group counselling sessions. However, very few schools in the state offer dedicated mental health professionals, and no such infrastructure currently exists in colleges and universities.
In a statement to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed that 72 students—both in government and private schools and colleges—have died by suicide between 2020 and 2025. Factors contributing to these tragedies include academic stress, relationship issues, mental pressure, and familial conflicts, among others. Majhi also pointed out that student suicides have increased significantly, rising by over 50% from 2021 to 2023, with reported suicides escalating from 119 in 2021 to 189 in 2023.
While some mental health support options are available, including the state-operated Tele-MANAS helpline (14416) and a helpline (1800-345-7288) run by the SCB Medical College Hospital’s Mental Health Institute, these services have seen limited use. Between 2021 and October 2023, approximately 20,000 calls were made to Tele-MANAS, mostly from young people. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Justice operates the KIRAN helpline (1800-599-0019) in 13 languages, including Odia, to support individuals with mental health issues. However, experts argue that many students remain unaware of these resources, with many reluctant to seek help despite the high rates of suicidal tendencies.
Pradyumna Dalei, a city-based psychologist, noted that mental health concerns among students are prevalent but often go unaddressed due to stigma and a lack of awareness. “Students today face immense pressure from multiple fronts, yet many fail to reach out for help, neglecting the available resources,” Dalei said.
In an attempt to tackle the growing mental health crisis, the state government launched an initiative under the Mo College Abhiyan in 2023, partnering with the Indian Psychiatric Society to raise awareness about mental health issues among college and university students. However, the program has seen limited success, and much work remains to be done to ensure meaningful progress.
As Odisha grapples with this urgent issue, experts and activists continue to call for better mental health support systems in educational institutions to prevent further loss of young lives.
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