Data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau for its ‘Crime in India 2021’ report – which records criminal cases, suicides and other data in the country – makes shows that there has been a significant increase in violence against women and children throughout the country.Besides that, the number of suicides in the country has increased tremendously since 2020, for a variety of reasons. Among the different groups to die by suicide, daily wagers make up the largest group.Out of 1,64,033 suicides reported in 2021, 42,004 were by daily wagers – or daily wagers account for one in four of the recorded suicides. Did COVID-19 and wage losses account for the rise in suicides? Is it because of inflation? The Wire‘s Yaqut Ali speaks to economist Santosh Mehrotra to understand the issue.If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. The Suicide Prevention India Foundation maintains a list of telephone numbers (www.spif.in/seek-help/) they can call to speak in confidence. You could also refer them to the nearest hospital.
