The share of suicides was highest among daily wage earners, followed by housewives, unemployed and students.
Haryana Additional Director General of Police Y Puran Kumar recently died by suicide, citing job-related dissatisfaction and alleged mental harassment by senior officials. Official data shows that suicides in India rose by 23 per cent over five years till 2023, with most victims being men across professions.
Suicide rate decreases marginally in 2023
Suicides and suicide rates have been steadily rising over the years. However, in 2023, the rate saw a slight decline per 100,000 population.
Daily wage earners at highest risk
Share of suicides by government servants in total suicides remained almost intact at about one per cent during 2019-2023. The share of suicides was highest among daily wage earners, followed by housewives, unemployed and students.
Male suicides were highest among business persons (94.62 per cent), farmers (92.58 per cent), and retirees (92.48 per cent), while student suicides showed a nearly equal distribution.
Male victims dominate
Male suicides were highest among business persons (94.62 per cent), farmers (92.58 per cent), and retirees (92.48 per cent), while student suicides showed a nearly equal distribution.
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
© 2025