Suicide Rates in India Show Disturbing Trends in 2024
Number of suicides in ’24 22.7% higher than in 2019
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In 2024, India recorded 170,746 suicides, a 22.7% increase from 2019, despite a slight decline from 2023. The suicide rate fell to 12.2 per 100,000 people, but remains above pre-pandemic levels. Family issues and economic vulnerability are the primary causes, with daily wage earners being the most affected demographic.
- 01Suicides in India increased by 22.7% from 2019 to 2024.
- 02The total number of suicides in 2024 was 170,746, slightly down from 171,418 in 2023.
- 03Family problems were the leading cause of suicides, accounting for 33.5% of cases.
- 04Daily wage earners represented 31% of all suicide victims in 2024.
- 05Accidental deaths rose to 467,857, the highest since 1967, impacting the suicide-to-accident ratio.
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According to the National Crime Records Bureau's report on Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India for 2024, the country recorded 170,746 suicides, a slight decrease from 171,418 in 2023 but a significant 22.7% increase compared to 2019. The suicide rate fell marginally to 12.2 per 100,000 people, still above the 10.4 rate of 2019. Family problems were the leading cause of suicides, accounting for 33.5% of cases, followed by illness and substance abuse. Daily wage earners were the most affected demographic, representing 31% of suicide victims. The report also highlighted a rise in accidental deaths to 467,857, the highest since 1967, primarily driven by traffic accidents and sudden deaths. The increase in accidental deaths has affected the ratio of suicides to accidental fatalities, which fell as accidental deaths rose more sharply. The data indicates significant regional disparities in suicide rates across states, with Kerala having the highest rate at 30.2 per 100,000 people, while Bihar reported a 44.4% increase in suicides from 2023.
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The rising suicide rates highlight the urgent need for mental health support and economic assistance, particularly for vulnerable populations such as daily wage earners.
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