Gujarat Faces Alarming Suicide Surge: Over 25,000 Lives Lost in Two Years

In a troubling revelation, Gujarat has witnessed a staggering 25,478 suicides over the past two years, including 42 families who collectively ended their lives, according to a recent report. The data, attributed to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), underscores a growing crisis in the state, with economic distress, unemployment, and mounting debt cited as primary drivers behind these tragic decisions.

The NCRB statistics paint a grim picture, indicating that approximately 35 individuals take their lives daily in Gujarat. Among the most distressing cases are the 42 families who resorted to mass suicide, overwhelmed by financial burdens and societal pressures. The report highlights that daily wage workers, farmers, and small-scale vendors are particularly vulnerable, with economic instability and rising costs exacerbating their struggles.

The findings also point to a significant uptick in suicides among daily wage laborers, with a reported 50.44% increase in such cases over recent years. The data suggests that social insecurity and declining incomes against rising expenditures are pushing many into despair. Additionally, the report notes a concerning rise in student suicides, with 3,740 cases recorded over the past five years, driven by factors such as academic pressure, career anxiety, and social inequalities.

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The Gujarat Congress party has criticized the state government’s response, alleging indifference to the escalating crisis. Dr. Manish Doshi, a spokesperson for the party, emphasized that the government’s failure to address economic and social welfare issues has left many families trapped in cycles of poverty and hopelessness.

As Gujarat grapples with this public health emergency, the data serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive support systems to address mental health, economic disparity, and social welfare.