The number of deaths by suicide due to unemployment in India has constanty risen in the four years between 2016 and 2019 according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau. Among states, Maharashtra (1628), Karnataka (1616), Gujarat (1095) and Tamil Nadu (1118) are among the worst affected.

These grim statistics came to the fore during the Parliamentary proceedings on Monday, August 2. Kunwar Danish Ali, the BSP MP of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, 

BSP MP of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, had asked a question to the Union Minister of Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav, regarding the number of people who died by suicide due to unemployment, and the steps taken by the Union government to rectify the situation. 

To this, Minister Of State (MoS) For Labour And Employment, Rameswar Teli, said that the statistical data on accidental deaths and suicides are reported by states and Union territories to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The NCRB compiles and disseminates information on suicides in its publication titled ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’.

The MoS also said that the Union government has taken a number of initiatives to promote employment generation in the country, and job creation is a priority for the Union government under PM Modi. The junior minister mentioned schemes like Atma Nirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY),  Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), among others, which were started by the Modi-led government.

The MoS also added, “Besides these initiatives, flagship programmes of the government

such as Make in India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart City Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Housing for All, Infrastructure development and Industrial corridors have the potential to generate productive employment opportunities.”

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.

Tamil Nadu

State health department's suicide helpline: 104

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)

Andhra Pradesh

Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930

Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584

Karnataka

Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222

Kerala

Maithri: 0484 2540530

Chaithram: 0484 2361161

Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.

Telangana

State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104

Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200

SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm

Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.    

24x7 Helpline: 9820466726 

Click here for working helplines across India.