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.