Student suicides: Oppn raises concern; govt points to counselling mechanisms

MAPUSA
Facing sustained opposition pressure over a spate of suicide deaths involving students studying at the BITS Pilani campus in Sancoale, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the State government has begun appointing counsellors in colleges to strengthen mental health support systems.
Responding to concerns raised in the House over increasing stress among students, Sawant said the government was actively reinforcing counselling mechanisms within educational institutions and reviewing its mental health framework.
“We are appointing counsellors in various educational institutes in the State. Counselling systems are being upgraded from time to time. In addition, the Anti-Narcotic Cell is conducting awareness programmes in educational institutions,” the Chief Minister said.
Sawant clarified that BITS Pilani does not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Goa government, but added that following five reported suicide cases, the State had issued strict directions to ensure the appointment of counsellors at the institute.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged changing behavioural patterns among students, noting that many often hesitate to share their problems with parents and instead confide in professional counsellors.
“Students sometimes do not open up to their parents, but they do speak to counsellors. These counsellors are studying such behavioural patterns to help students cope better,” Sawant said.
Raising the issue, Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira expressed concern over the rising incidence of drug-related cases in educational institutions, stating that the trend needed urgent intervention.
He stressed that counsellors play a crucial role in students’ lives and should not be frequently transferred.
“Since students develop a bond with counsellors, they should not be transferred frequently. They must be retained in one institution for at least a year to ensure continuity and trust,” Ferreira said.
Responding to the demand, Sawant assured the House that the government was not inclined to transfer counsellors unless they voluntarily resigned, thereby ensuring stability in campus counselling services.
The Chief Minister also informed the Assembly that the Goa Education Development Corporation was in the process of reviewing and updating the State’s mental health policy to address emerging challenges faced by students.