Data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau for its ‘Crime in India 2021’ report – which records criminal cases, suicides and other data in the country – makes shows that there has been a significant increase in violence against women and children throughout the country.
Besides that, the number of suicides in the country has increased tremendously since 2020, for a variety of reasons. Among the different groups to die by suicide, daily wagers make up the largest group.
Out of 1,64,033 suicides reported in 2021, 42,004 were by daily wagers – or daily wagers account for one in four of the recorded suicides. Did COVID-19 and wage losses account for the rise in suicides? Is it because of inflation? The Wire‘s Yaqut Ali speaks to economist Santosh Mehrotra to understand the issue.
If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. The Suicide Prevention India Foundation maintains a list of telephone numbers (www.spif.in/seek-help/) they can call to speak in confidence. You could also refer them to the nearest hospital.