The Sikkim government is aggressively promoting pro-natalist policies to counter its shrinking population. Yet, it turns a blind eye to a far more pressing crisis: the alarming rise in suicides, particularly among the youth. This contradiction raises an unsettling question—what is the point of encouraging births when we are failing to protect and nurture those already alive?
Between February 8 and 15, 2025, Sikkim witnessed 15 suicides across the state. According to police reports, the victims ranged in age from 13 to 70 years old, spanning diverse backgrounds and circumstances.This is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern that has persisted for decades. With a suicide rate of 43.1 per 100,000 people in 2022—the highest in India—Sikkim is in the grip of a mental health crisis that continues to be met with apathy.
Police reports suggest that the recent suicides stem from various factors, including financial distress, academic pressure, family disputes, and social isolation. Yet, the government’s response has been woefully inadequate. While helplines and awareness programs exist, they remain underfunded and inaccessible to those who need them most. Suicide prevention requires more than token measures—it demands systemic change.
The youth of Sikkim face immense economic uncertainty. Unemployment remains high, and wages have stagnated, making financial stability a distant dream. How can young adults be expected to build families when they see no economic future for themselves? Pushing for a higher birth rate while failing to address these socio-economic realities is both shortsighted and irresponsible.
Similarly, students are crushed under the weight of relentless academic expectations. Suicide rates peak around board examinations, revealing a brutal education system that prioritizes grades over mental well-being. Schools must integrate mental health education into their curriculum, ensuring students receive the support they desperately need.
The government must take immediate and concrete steps to address this crisis. Establishing suicide prevention crisis centers across the state, ensuring 24/7 accessibility, embedding trained mental health professionals in schools, colleges, and workplaces, and providing free or subsidized counseling services, particularly for those facing financial stress or addiction, are essential measures. Economic policies must be reformed to create jobs and ensure financial security for the youth. Strengthening family and community engagement to identify and address early warning signs is equally important.
Sikkim cannot solve its population decline by merely encouraging births. A society that fails to nurture its existing citizens cannot sustain itself, no matter how many incentives are provided. The focus must shift from increasing numbers to ensuring that life in Sikkim is worth living. A society where young people are unable to cope with life’s pressures will not sustain itself, no matter how many births are encouraged. It is time to focus on building a future where survival is not a struggle, but a promise of hope and opportunity.