Lok Sabha Question No. 2073 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Suicide Cases of MBBS Aspirants
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2073

ANSWERED ON 05/08/2024

## SUICIDE CASES OF MBBS ASPIRANTS

## 2073 SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that large number of MBBS aspirant/students are committing suicides particularly in coaching centres in the recent past due to one or other reasons; (b) whether the Government has any data about the total number of MBBS aspirant/students were committed suicide for the last three years, State-wise;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) whether the Government has taken any steps to prevent/stop such cases and the action taken against such coaching centres;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (Dr. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (f): Comprehensive analysis of the data related to the accidental deaths and suicides in the country is published in the yearly Accidental Death & Suicide in India (ADSI) reports by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). Year wise and State wise details of students' suicides are available in the year wise ADSI reports which are accessible at https://ncrb.gov.in/accidental-deathssuicides-in-india-year-wise.html.

As per Reports of NCRB, there are various causes of suicides like professional/career problems, sense of isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, mental disorders, addiction to alcohol, financial loss, chronic pain etc. As per ADSI 2022 amongst the causes of suicides 'failure in examination' constituted 1.2% and student suicide accounted for 7.6% of the total suicide cases.

Keeping in view the growth in number of unregulated private coaching centers in the country in the absence of any laid down policy or regulation; instances of such centers charging exorbitant fees from students; undue stress on students resulting in students committing suicides and many other malpractices being adopted by these centres, MoE has circulated a Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center to States/UTs on 16.01.2024. Education being in the concurrent list, the State and UT Governments need to take further action by way of appropriate legal framework. This has been followed up with another letter to the States/ UTs on 16.07.2024.

The Guidelines encompasses several key aspects, including defining coaching centers, specifying conditions and necessary documents for registration; outlining infrastructure prerequisites for establishing coaching centers, code of conduct for coaching centers; laying emphasis on significance of mental well-being, advocating for the prioritization of counsellors and psychologists' support within coaching centres; no batch segregation; maintenance of records etc. The guidelines also provides that the fee charged for courses / curriculum shall be fair and reasonable; under no circumstances the fee shall be increased during the currency of the course; easy exit policy and refund of fee on pro-rata basis; coaching classes for those students who are also studying in institutions / schools shall not be conducted during their institutions / schools' hours, so that their regular attendance in such institutions / schools remains unaffected and also to avoid dummy schools. The guidelines, further stipulate continuous monitoring of activities of the coaching centers; introducing a complaint mechanism and disposal thereof; penalties; process for cancellation of registration and appeals etc.

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