Spiking Suicide rate in Gujarat (img: Freepik)

In the dynamically progressing state of Gujarat, cases of suicide are sounding an alarm the state government is playing deaf to, alleges the state’s Congress party.

As per the party spokesperson, Dr Manish Doshi, at least 13 families have committed mass suicide in Gujarat in the past year, in which 41 people, including children, have lost their lives.

Trapped in vicious circles of economic crunch, families are choosing to end their lives, he added.

The suicide cases mentioned mainly include roadside vendors, farmers, and daily wage labourers, who had to take this extreme step amidst various issues.

Families who committed suicide in Gujarat

Wage labourers’ plight in the state

The current condition of the state’s unorganised labourers is in shambles, alleged Doshi. A 50.44% rise in suicide cases is reported among daily wage labourers and roadside vendors, among other unorganised workers.

According to the data produced by the party, 16,862 daily wage earners have committed suicide due to economic burden, social insecurity, and declining income against increasing expenditure-like factors.

Student suicide rate in Gujarat

Alongside unorganised labourers, Doshi focused on a significant increase in student suicide rates. He stated that 3,740 students have committed suicide in Gujarat in the last five years.

The suicide rate among students is on the rise reportedly because of reasons like career anxiety, fear of failure in studies, economic inequality, and caste discrimination, among other reasons.

Opposition alleges government inaction

The spokesperson of the opposition party alleged the indifference and insensitivity of the state government over the lives lost in the alarmingly increasing number of suicides in Gujarat.

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