68% of victims who died by suicide in Gujarat in 2024 earned less than ₹1 lakh annually

Economic hardship emerged as a dominant factor behind suicides in Gujarat in 2024, with nearly 68% of victims earning less than ₹1 lakh annually, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report on Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India.

Out of the total 8,984 suicide cases registered in the state, 6,166 individuals — including 4,057 males and 2,057 females — had an annual income below ₹1 lakh. Alarmingly, daily wage earners accounted for over 34% of the total suicides, with 3,095 cases (2,919 males and 176 females).

 In contrast, only eight suicides were reported among individuals earning more than ₹10 lakh per year. Another 2,669 suicides involved people earning between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakh annually.

The report highlights a strong correlation between lower education levels and vulnerability. As many as 917 victims had received no formal education, while 448 had studied up to Class 5, 1,946 up to Class 8, 2,054 up to Class 10, and 1,681 up to Class 12.

Family and demographic patterns also stood out. 

As many as 5,854 victims were married, compared to 2,460 unmarried and 459 widow/widower individuals. The report recorded 1,771 suicides by housewives and 568 by students, with female students (328) outnumbering male students (240). Additionally, 528 suicides were linked to career-related issues.

Hanging remained the most common method, accounting for 4,864 cases, followed by poisoning (2,431 cases).

Among districts, Surat reported the highest number of suicides at 1,079 (832 males and 247 females), followed by Ahmedabad with 939 (690 males and 249 females). Rajkot recorded 546 suicides and Vadodara 280.