‘Darwaze pe dastak’ Kota police’s attempt to prevent student suicides

ASI Sanju Sharma talks to hostel students to understand their problems, in Kota. Pic/PTI

Rocked by a spate of student suicides, the coaching hub of Kota is roping in wardens, mess workers and tiffin service providers to look for any signs of depression or stress among the students staying in hostels and PG accommodations.

While the wardens are being encouraged to participate actively in the ‘Darwaze pe dastak' (knock on door) campaign, the city police has urged mess workers and tiffin providers to report if a student is repetitively absent from the mess and skipping meals or anyone's tiffin is found unconsumed.

"We have launched a campaign called ‘Darwaze pe dastak' where we are encouraging wardens to make it a routine to knock on each students' door at around 11 pm, ask them if they are okay, notice their activities, and keep a vigil just to ensure that there are no signs of stress, depression or abnormal activity.

"After coaching, the students spend maximum time in hostels, and hence wardens should be the first one to notice the signs," Chandrasheel Thakur, ASP, Kota said.
The year 2023 saw the highest number of student suicides - 22 so far - with two ending their lives in a gap of a few hours on August 27.

22
No. of students who committed suicide in Kota

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever