In the past one week, Tamil Nadu reported 3 suicide cases due to NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical entrance. Due to the recently held NEET 2021 exam and fear of failing, many young aspirants committed suicide.
On the 15th of September, a 17 year old named Soundarya took her life, three days after giving the NEET exam. Soundarya was a student from Thalaiyarampattu village near Katpadi in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district.
Speaking to the media, Soundarya mother said, “No other child in India should suffer what my child has, these thoughts shouldn’t come in their minds. Ban this NEET first. Ban it.” She said, Soundharya was scared of failing the NEET exam and the fear took her life.
Highlighting the academic score of Soundarya, in her 12th exam, she scored 510 marks out of a total 600. She had written the NEET from Kingston College of Engineering.
As of now, the cause of her death is yet to be known. Her body has been sent for a post mortem to the Vellore Government Hospital and Medical College. In addition, the Katpadi Deputy Superintendent of Police and Revenue Inspector launched an investigation.
With Soundharya’s death, this has been third incident of suicide due to NEET examination, which was held on the 12th of September.
Recently, on the 13th of September, 17 year old Kanimozhi, who appeared for NEET 2021, took her life.
On Saturday, the 11th of September 11, a day before the 2021 NEET examination, a 20 year old Salem youth Dhanush, committed suicide over fear of failing the exam the third time. This year, amid protest and objection from students, the National Test Agency (NTA) conducted the 2021 NEET examination. The examination was scheduled on the 12th of September.
Concern about the rising number of suicides, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. M.K. Stalin has appealed to students not to lose hope and assured them his Government will continue the legal struggle against NEET in Tamil Nadu.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu Government passed a resolution in the Assembly to scrap the NEET in Tamil Nadu. The State Government demanded to be allowed to organise its own medical entrance exams.
The State argues that the NEET favours the wealthy as poor students and those in rural areas are unable to afford private coaching.
Meanwhile, To help students who are suffering from depression due to academic and career issues and are suicidal, the State Government launched a helpline service.
Tamil Nadu
State health department’s suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre – 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Similar to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana also started a helpline service for students.
Andhra Pradesh:
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Telangana
State government’s suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290
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