Sikkim finds itself at a perplexing crossroads. The state
government is vigorously pushing pro-natalist policies to counter a shrinking
population, yet it seems to be turning a blind eye to the alarming rise in
suicides, particularly among the youth. This contradiction begs an unsettling
question: what is the point of encouraging births when we are failing to
protect and nurture those already alive?
For nearly three decades, suicide rates in Sikkim have
been steadily rising, reaching a shocking 43.1 per 100,000 people in
2022—making it the highest in India. The trend shows no sign of abating; in
just one week of February 2025, 15 suicides were reported, cutting across age
groups. The numbers tell a devastating story, but what is worse is the lack of
proactive intervention.
Mental health struggles, financial distress, academic
pressure, substance abuse, and family conflicts have been identified as primary
causes. Yet, despite the state’s awareness of these issues, solutions remain
inadequate. The introduction of suicide prevention helplines, school
counselling services, and community programmes, while commendable, fail to
address the deeper, systemic causes.
Consider the economic challenges plaguing young people in
Sikkim. Rising unemployment and stagnant wages have made financial stability a
distant dream for many. If young adults see no economic future for themselves,
how can they be expected to confidently raise families? Pushing for a higher
birth rate while failing to address these socio-economic realities is both
shortsighted and irresponsible.
There is no denying the fact that the pressures of
academic performance continue to weigh heavily on students. Suicide rates peak
around board examinations, revealing a brutal education system that prioritizes
grades over mental well-being. Until there is a fundamental shift in how we
approach education—placing mental health at its core rather than treating it as
an afterthought—these tragedies will persist.
The government must take bolder steps. Mental health care
should be as accessible as physical health care, with specialized professionals
embedded in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Economic policies must focus on
job creation and financial security, ensuring that young people have the means
and confidence to build stable lives.
Equally crucial is the role of families and communities.
Suicide prevention is not solely the state’s responsibility; societal attitudes
must change. Mental health issues should not be dismissed as personal
weaknesses, nor should young people be pressured into an unrelenting cycle of
expectations.
Sikkim’s battle against population decline cannot be won
through incentives alone. 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. Only then can Sikkim truly
flourish.
