GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 448

ANSWERED ON:07.07.2009

SUICIDE CASES MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

(a) whether suicide cases are on the rise in the country;

(b) if so, the total number of such cases registered during each of the last three years, State-wise, gender-wise;

(c) the age group recording the highest rate of suicides;

(d) whether the Government has ascertained the reasons for the same;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps being taken to address the problem?

ANSWER

 MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a)As per information compiled by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total number of 113914, 118112 and 122637 suicides were reported in the country during 2005 to 2007 respectively, thereby showing an increasing trend.

(b)The State/UT-wise and gender-wise number of persons who committed suicides, as reported to NCRB by the States/UTs during 2005 to 2007, are enclosed at Annexure-I.

(c)The highest number of suicides were of persons in the age group of 15-29 years in each of the years from 2005 to 2007.

(d)& (e):The causes of suicide have their origin in the social, economic, cultural, psychological and health status of an individual. Suicide is multi-factorial, cumulative and progressive in nature. Among the major mental health problems, depression, schizophrenia, addiction to alcohol, affective disorders, drug dependence, adjustement disorders, mood and personality problems have been identified among those with completed and attempted suicides. The details of causewise number of suicides committed during 2005 to 2007, as compiled by NCRB, have been indicated at Annexure-II.

(f):During the 11th Five Year Plan period, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, proposes to re-strategise its National Mental Health Programme to extend District Mental Health Programme to more districts in the country with added components of suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counseling in schools and colleges.