Suicide in India

India is among the very few Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) with regular reports of suicide data through the NCRB publications.

[14] Dr. Vikas Arya (University of Melbourne) and colleagues (including Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Dr. Peter Mayer, Prof. Rakhi Dandona, Prof. Andrew Page, Prof. Ann John, Prof. David Gunnell, Prof. Jane Pirkis and Dr. Gregory Armstrong) have published various peer reviewed journal articles on the epidemiology of suicide in India based on the NCRB data.The results from some of their studies are discussed below.

Regarding trends, similar to most countries around the world, suicide rates are generally higher among males compared to females in India.

Arya and colleagues suggest that the process of modernization and rapid social change with an increasing gap between expectations and reality might be contributing towards higher suicide risk in more developed parts of India.

Regarding high female suicide rates among the younger age-group, they suggest that the ongoing clash between traditional values and modern ways of living concerning issues such as age of marriage, and the value of individual decision making, along with patriarchal norms and sexual violence against women might be contributing factors.

Regarding high male suicide rates among middle age groups, they suggest "that because males play the traditional role of—“breadwinners”—in India and failure to provide for the family during the middle age, for example, due to loss of employment, might result in higher suicide rates".

However, the results vary among different regions highlighting the substantial geographical heterogeneity of suicide rates across India by caste and religion.

Authors suggest that lower suicide rates among ST and OBC populations in regions dominated by these groups might be explained through minority stress theory which suggests that the discrimination and hostile social environment toward minority populations are associated with increased mental health problems and suicidal behavior.

[20] According to Arya and colleagues, ban on lethal pesticides must be prioritised to lower insecticide poisoning suicide rates.

Also, responsible reporting of suicide by hanging in the media and limiting fictional portrayals of this method may be useful areas for prevention.

However, they also mention that economic relief schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) (translated as ‘Prime Minister’s relief fund for the poor’), which included direct cash transfers to bank accounts and in-kind social assistance to vulnerable households might have played an important role in curtailing the increases in suicides that were observed.

Unfortunately, mental health issues are also highly stigmatized in India, possibly contributing further to gaps in help-seeking and service provision.

Four states - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal - together accounted for nearly half of the total suicides reported in the country.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka have consistently accounted for about 8.0% (or more) suicides in India across 2017 to 2019.

[34] Mental health experts say these deaths illustrate the increasing stress on young people in a nation where, elections notwithstanding, the masses often feel powerless.

Sudhir Kakar was quoted to say, "The willingness to die for a cause, as exemplified by Gandhi's epic fasts during the struggle for independence, is seen as noble and worthy.

Ancient warriors in Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India, would commit suicide if their commander was killed.

[37] The Indian government has been criticised by the media for its mental health care system, which is linked to the high suicide rate.

[38][39] The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2019, 10,281 people involved in the farming sector died by suicide.

[44] Many suicides are attributed to the intense pressure and harsh regimen of students in cram schools (or coaching institutes).

[46][47][48] To address these challenges, initiatives like the National Level Common Entrance Examination (NLCEE) aim to reduce the pressure faced by students.

NLCEE organizes exposure visits to premier institutions like IITs and ISRO to help students make informed career decisions and reduce the uncertainty that often leads to stress and anxiety.

[52] More than half of the personnel in the Indian Army are under severe stress and many lives are being lost to suicides, fratricides and untoward incidents.

[53] In India, suicide was illegal and the survivor would face jail term of up to one year and fine under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.