PANAJI
Unemployment has been a major cause of frustration, stress and eventually suicides, with the State recording an alarming number of 96 suicides in five years, with 43 of the deaths being reported in 2020 alone amid the lockdown, curfews and the Covid pandemic.
These figures from 2016 to 2020 were revealed by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Rameswar Teli, while replying in the Lok Sabha to a question raised by Haryana BJP MP Dharambir Singh on March 14.
Data from the minister’s reply citing ‘accidental deaths and suicides in India from the National Crime Records Bureau’ reveals that the number of suicides in the State had dropped in 2016 (15), 2017 (13) and 2018 (8).
However, the State recorded an alarming surge in suicides over the next two years, from 19 deaths in 2019 to 43 deaths in 2020.
The data also revealed that unemployment was the motive for these 96 deaths.
Incidentally, lockdowns and curfews during the Covid pandemic had led to salary cuts, job losses and unemployment in the State and across the country.
The high number of suicides in 2020 was not restricted to Goa alone.
The highest number of suicides (720) was recorded in Karnataka, followed by Maharashtra (625), Tamil Nadu (336), Assam (234) and Gujarat (229).
The National Crime Records Bureau recorded 3,584 suicides in 2020 alone.
In his reply, the union minister stated that suicide prevention services, stress management, life skill training, etc. are being implemented through the National Mental Health Programme, as part of measures to reduce suicides in the country.
He also expressed hope that with the government’s investment in roads, railways, airport, port, mass transport, waterways and logistics infrastructure, a huge number of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities would be created in the nation.
“The approach is driven by seven engines namely roads, railways, airport, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics infrastructure. This approach is powered by clean energy and Sabka Prayas, leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all,” the minister stated in his reply.
