EDITORIAL
Initiatives have been taken but the government needs to do much more
Goa woke up on Monday to the news of the ‘suicide’ of a student in a premier educational institution in South Goa. Police said this is the sixth case in 13 months, a sad commentary on the mental health of students in the state.
The South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus said on Monday that the management of the BITS Pilani institution has implemented several changes based on the recommendations of the special committee constituted by the state government in compliance with Supreme Court (SC) directives, including the introduction of round-the-clock counselling services. She said preliminary investigations into the death of a female student at BITS Pilani, reported on Sunday, indicate that she died by suicide. Cleetus said the academic ecosystem at the institution was reviewed in detail and the committee’s recommendations have been implemented, including the setting up of a 24-hour counselling centre, along with other corrective measures.
Around five months ago, the government had constituted the committee headed by the South Goa District Collector following the death of a 20-year-old student in September last year.
The fresh case at BITS Pilani Goa cannot be seen in isolation. Recently there was also a case involving a school student in Mormugao taluka. Mental health has become a major issue in the state, and institutions, right from the school level, are finding it difficult to tackle such cases. They are waking up to the seriousness of the issue. There may be several factors leading to a student calling it quits. Sometimes, the increased academic pressure plays havoc with young minds. In the backdrop of such cases, it is important to provide accessible mental health services including counselling, support groups and psychiatric services. No doubt the government-run Tele-MANAS provides 24×7 mental health support online. Private schools seem to be better prepared to address the issue. The others also need to follow and the government needs to be pro-active in such matters.
There has to be proper awareness among the teachers, peers and parents, particularly on how to recognise warning signs and respond effectively. A healthy environment has to be created across academic setups, by setting realistic expectations and encouraging students to prioritise their well-being. Institutions need to enforce stricter policies against bullying, cyberbullying, and educate students about online harassment. Similarly, they need to provide support for students struggling with addiction. Awareness campaigns must be organised to reduce stigma around mental health issues. The government has taken some initiatives. Last month, when the matter was raised in the Goa Assembly, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government has started appointing counsellors in colleges across Goa. He also said Goa Education Development Corporation is updating mental health policies, and counselling systems are being regularly upgraded to support students. Merely appointing counsellors is not everything. If there are more students in a school, one counsellor cannot do justice in two-three schools. It is also important that the government makes a special provision in the upcoming Budget to address the issue professionally. All the organisations working for mental health need to be provided more support by the government.
Last week, Sawant raised the issue at the zilla panchayat meeting. Addressing the ZP members, he urged them, and rightly so, to take steps to prevent suicide among the unemployed youth in Goa. It is not only the duty and responsibility of the government to address such issues which impacts not just youngsters but adults too. The elected representatives at all levels, including at the civic body- level, social organisations and others, will have to chip in. For this, the government can conduct basic training for them. Mental health warrants urgent attention.
