A Reality Check on Suicides in India

15 Pages Posted: 25 Sep 2017

See all articles by Shamika Ravi

Shamika Ravi

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)

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Date Written: June 2015

Abstract

This paper finds health (mental and physical) concerns are the leading causes of suicides in India, accounting for over 20% of all suicides. Bankruptcy and indebtedness account for less than 5% of all suicides. Housewives comprise the largest share of suicides (18%); while farmers comprise 11%. Suicides among most demographics are declining over time and farmer suicides are declining the fastest. Suicide ‘contagion’ can occur if suicides are overly dramatized and/or played up. Research shows that responsible media coverage of suicides can play an important role in curbing suicide contagions.

Suggested Citation

Ravi, Shamika, A Reality Check on Suicides in India (June 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3041206 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3041206

Shamika Ravi (Contact Author)

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) ( email )

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