Rajasthan: ‘Hello, it’s about mental health, not ceiling fans!’

Representational Image. Pic/iStock

Amid a spate of suicides by hanging, the authorities in this coaching hub have ordered hostels to install a spring device on ceiling fans to stop students from taking their lives.

Twenty students preparing for competitive exams in Kota have died by suicide this year, authorities say. Last year, the figure was 15. Deputy Commissioner O P Bunkar issued the directive regarding the "anti-suicide measure" on Wednesday.

People on social media lambasted the administration and pointed out that the issue was of mental health. "...spring loaded fans will be installed in hostel rooms. Counselling?? Easing up on schedules??" film director Veena Bakshi posted on Twitter, now known as X.

"The problem was in the education system but they fixed the fan," tweeted one Dr Furquan Ahmad. "Why don't they instead open psychological counselling centres in each institute for both students and also parents who are hell bent on seeing unrealistic expectations from vulnerable students!!" tweeted @shahonx.

Tweet talk

Megha Sheth, @megzie0925
How NOT to address mental health concerns! A goddamned fan or lack thereof isn't going to change how a student is feeling!

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