The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have reported the highest suicide rate in India, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The Union Territory recorded a suicide rate of 49.6 per lakh population, significantly higher than the national average of 12.3, raising serious concerns among mental health experts and policymakers.
The NCRB’s annual report for 2023 ranks Sikkim second with a suicide rate of 40.2, followed by Kerala at 30.6, Puducherry at 28, and Telangana at 27.7. These figures reflect a troubling rise in suicides across several regions, with contributing factors ranging from mental health issues and substance abuse to economic distress and social isolation.
Mental health professionals have called for urgent intervention, including increased access to counseling services, community outreach programs, and better integration of mental health care into primary health systems. The high suicide rate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a relatively small and isolated population, underscores the need for targeted support and awareness campaigns.
Public health advocates are urging both central and state governments to prioritize suicide prevention strategies, especially in high-risk regions. Experts emphasize the importance of destigmatizing mental health conversations and ensuring timely help for those in crisis.
