Jaipur: Suicides by students undergoing preparation for competitive exams in Kota have become too frequent for comfort.
Not even three weeks into 2025, four cases of suicide have already been recorded in this Rajasthan city, which is India’s coaching hub.
High expectations and peer pressure are believed to be the primary reason forcing young boys and girls to take the extreme step.
However, Rajasthan Education minister Madan Dilawar has a different take.
In a controversial statement, Dilawar said on Saturday said that “love affairs” were the cause of some of the student suicides in Kota.
“In some cases, there are love affairs and the students commit suicide due to that,” the minister said.
Dilawar, who speaking to reporters after a programme during which land ownership cards were issued to beneficiaries in Bundi, also urged parents not to put pressure on students.
He felt every student has his/her interest and sinks into depression when forced to pursue a goal in a field contrary to own interest, and fail.
According to the minister, coaching institutes may have a role, but friends play a crucial part with their frequent remarks on student ranks.
