Kota suicide cases: Hostels ordered to install special device on fans; CM Gehlot holds meet | India News

NEW DELHI: Amid a concerning rise in suicide cases among students in Rajasthan‘s Kota district, the authorities have ordered hostels to install a spring device on ceiling fans to deter students from self-harm.
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has also called a meeting with the management of coaching institutes to address the rising suicide cases.
More than 20 students who have been preparing for competitive exams in Kota have died by suicide so far this year.
“To prevent suicides from increasing among coaching students in Kota, all hostel and private guesthouse operators in the state are directed to install a security spring device in the fans at every room,” the order read.
Demanding strict compliance, the administration said action will be taken against hostel owners and their managements if the directions on fans are not followed.
This is how the device works:
If an object weighing more than 20 kilos is hung from the fan, the spring attached to it expands, making it impossible for someone to commit suicide by this method. Simultaneously, a siren goes off.

Additionally, the authorities have also considered conducting psychological tests for students.
Meanwhile, CM Gehlot said the rising suicide cases is a matter of concern and urged parents not to put pressure on their children for a particular stream or a college.
“It is a matter of concern that 20 students committed suicide in the last eight months in Kota. I myself wanted to become a doctor in my childhood, used to study till 2-3 in the night, but did not succeed. However, I did not lose courage. I changed my path, became a social worker, entered politics and today I am in front of you,” Gehlot said while speaking to the reporters.
(With agency inputs)