Rising Student Suicides in Odisha: An Urgent Call for Mental Health Awareness

In Odisha, 72 student suicides were reported in schools and colleges from 2020 to early 2025. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized factors like mental pressure and academic stress. Measures like awareness programs and staff training are being examined to support distressed students.

In an alarming revelation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed in a legislative assembly session that Odisha has reported 72 student suicides between 2020 and February 2025.

Responding to a query from Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, Majhi attributed these tragic events to several factors including mental pressure, harassment, and academic stress, among others.

The government is actively collecting data on existing and proposed mental health programs aimed at aiding students, alongside training initiatives for teaching staff to recognize and support those in distress.

(With inputs from agencies.)