25,478 people kill themselves in Gujarat in two years, including 42 mass suicides by families

Gujarat is witnessing an alarming rise in suicides, with financial distress and unemployment reportedly pushing families toward desperate ends.

According to reports, 42 families have died by mass suicide in Gujarat in the past two years, reflecting a disturbing trend amid growing concerns over rising prices and limited job opportunities.

On Sunday, five members of a family -- including three children -- died by suicide in Ahmedabad’s Bagodara village by allegedly consuming a poisonous substance.

This incident adds to a string of similar tragedies across the state, highlighting the stark contrast between claims of development and the lived realities of many residents.

Rising inflation has made it difficult for families to manage household expenses, forcing many into cycles of debt from which they see no escape. The fear of social insecurity and lack of stable income sources have compelled many to take loans, leading to mounting pressures that ends in tragedy.

Daily wage earners are particularly vulnerable. Over the past six years, 16,862 daily wage workers in Gujarat have ended their lives, with suicides among farm laborers, street vendors, hawkers, and workers increasing by over 50% during this period, according to available data.

Despite these concerning figures, the government continues to focus on official events and festivals while many citizens remain burdened by debt and financial uncertainty. 

Reports indicate that in Gujarat, every child is born with an average debt of ₹46,384, while each farmer carries a debt burden of around ₹90,000.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that 25,478 people died by suicide in Gujarat over the last three years, underscoring the scale of the crisis in a state often described as ‘progressive’.

Experts in socio-economic and mental health fields believe that many of these deaths are preventable if effective measures are implemented. They have called for urgent intervention, including mental health support, financial assistance for vulnerable groups, and efforts to address the structural issues driving people into distress.