Hyderabad: A toll-free 24x7 suicide prevention cell akin to the Indian Air Force model of suicide prevention has been suggested to the Telangana state to prevent farmers from ending their life.
The model says that short-term and long-term measures are needed to be taken to contain the suicidal tendency. These include cost-effective and immediate utilisation of the existing 104 service as a 24x7 toll-free suicide prevention counselling centre.
Group Captain G.J. Rao, who made the suggestion, is undergoing in-service advance course on business management at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad.
The suggestion was contained in a report, ‘Bangaru Telangana through sustainable suicide prevention model for farmers and students in particular and others in general’.
The report was submitted to Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao recently. The report stated: “Sensitisation of the entire population of the Telangana state to identify the indications of suicidal behaviour and equip the individuals with simple techniques of helping them in overcoming suicidal tendency among them is a must.”
Since consumption of pesticide is one of the methods to commit suicide, Gp Cpt Rao said a central locking storage system should be evolved to store pesticides to avoid access as a means of committing suicide. “My model is to reduce suicides. I am a farmers’ man,” Gp Capt Rao said.
Mr Chandrasekhar Rao released a book on the issue of farmers’ suicide at a simple programme under the aegis of the ASCI. “On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day to be observed on September 10, I dedicate this project to the State of Telangana for the safety, sound health and well being of its people by effectively addressing the menace of suicides,” Gp Capt Rao said about his research and the proposed model.
Four more farmers end lives due to crop failure
Four more farmers committed suicides in the state on Friday due crop failure and debt burden. Cotton farmer Marepaaka Srinivas, 35, committed suicide in Pegadapalli village in Mahamutharam mandal in Karimnagar district by consuming pesticide after the crop failed on his four-acre farm.
Sheripally Laxman, 24, committed suicide by consuming pesticide in Pulimamidi village in Chegunta mandal in Medak district due to mounting debts.
In Nalgonda district, Gundepuri Vijayakrishna, 32, ended his life as he was unable to repay his debt in Repala village in Munagala mandal in Nalgonda district.
A 50-year old farmer Lachi Ramnayak committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree in Pochammagadda thanda in Veldanda mandal in Mahbubnagar district.
