Sikkim, nestled on the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, defies easy categorisation. It is a land of breath-taking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a progressive governance model registering one of the fastest growth trajectories among Indian states in recent times. Yet, beneath this idyllic facade lies a stark and troubling reality. Sikkim boasts the highest per capita income in India, but also grapples with the highest rates of suicide and crime against children in the country.
The State is sometimes called the ‘suicide capital of India’.
Sikkim’s economic ascent is a testament to its strategic location, prudent governance, and focus on rapid economic development. The state’s abundant natural resources, including forests, hydropower, tourism, and organic agriculture, have been harnessed effectively to fuel economic growth.
The government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare has created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Additionally, Sikkim’s early adoption of organic farming has positioned it as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, attracting both domestic and international attention.
Consequently, according to Statista, Sikkim had the highest per capita income in India in 2023 at an estimated INR 519,960; it was INR 158,670 in 2012, a bullish rise of 228 percent in a decade. The country’s average per capita income in 2023 was about 172,000 rupees. Reportedly, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sikkim increased from INR 1.39 million lakhs in 2013 to 4.28 million lakhs in 2022 growing at an average annual rate of 13.46 percent.
However, the flip side of this economic success story is equally alarming. Sikkim’s suicide rate has been consistently higher than the national average, raising concerns about the equitable well-being of its population. While the exact causes of this crisis are complex and multifaceted, several factors warrant attention both in terms of research and policy intervention.
Sikkim reported the highest suicide rate per one lakh population in the country, according to the latest report (2023) of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Sikkim registered a 43.1 percent suicide rate, most of which can be categorised as egoistic suicide, followed by 42.8 percent in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, 29.7 percent in Puducherry, 28.5 percent in Kerala, and 28.2 percent in Chhattisgarh. The national average was 12.4 percent, with a total of 1,70,924 suicides reported across India in 2022. Experts believe there has been a complex interplay of factors contributing to this alarming trend – spanning across socio-economic, psychological, and environmental dimensions.
However, one of the most important causes is the dissonance between the means and goals. The goals are generally influenced by the neoliberal aspirations of high economic achievement but there is a visible lack of means to achieve it. The process of modernisation and modernity has rendered the traditional values, institutions and systems ineffective in influencing the life choices individuals make.
Furthermore, according to 2021 National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, Sikkim also tops in the crime against children in India at 72.4 percent, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 66.7 percent. Such a phenomenon has been described as alarming and unacceptable by many observers.
At the core of the debate lies the state’s unique socio-cultural fabric. The traditional Sikkimese society, once characterised by strong familial bonds and communal support, has undergone rapid transformation in the last five decades.
The influx of modernity, coupled with the pressures of globalisation, has eroded these support systems, alienating and marginalising the individual. The erosion of traditional values and the subsequent rise of individualism have contributed to a sense of detachment and a decline in emotional resilience.
Secondly, economic drivers also play a significant role. One critical factor is the pressure to maintain a high standard of living. Observers now believe that deep socio-economic disparities exist within Sikkim despite its overall prosperity, with certain sections of the population particularly in the rural area struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. The desire to conform to societal expectations and maintain a certain lifestyle lead to immense stress and anxiety.
Moreover, the emphasis on material success and consumerism, often promoted by the media and popular culture, can create unrealistic aspirations and a sense of inadequacy among individuals. The allure of urban life and the pursuit of higher economic goals have led to a migration of the youth, leaving behind a void in rural areas. Unemployment, particularly among the educated youth, has emerged as a major stressor. The inability to meet societal expectations and aspirations has led to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation and crime.
Thirdly, another contributing factor could be the isolation and limited social support systems in many parts of Sikkim. The difficult mountainous terrain and dispersed population can make access to mental health services challenging.
The stigma associated with mental illness further exacerbates the problem, preventing people from seeking help. Traditional coping mechanisms and social support networks, which were once prevalent in rural communities have been gradually eroding due to rapid social and economic changes. The lack of awareness about mental health and available resources hinders early intervention and prevention efforts.
Fourthly, substance abuse is another critical factor contributing to the high suicide and crime rates in Sikkim. The easy availability of alcohol and drugs, coupled with peer pressure and a lack of coping mechanisms, has led to increased substance abuse among the youth.
Unregulated, alcohol use has become an important public health issue in Sikkim. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) has recorded a significant prevalence of alcohol use in the state with 51.2 percent and 23 percent among those above 15–49 years of age in males and females, respectively.
The high rate of alcohol prevalence is due to the easy availability of alcohol and leisure that people have. Further, 12 percent of deaths that were medically certified were due to alcohol abuse, reportedly, and that is alarming! Addiction not only undermines physical and mental health but also disrupts social and familial relationships, amplifying the risks of suicides and crime.
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Sociology, Sikkim University concludes, ‘drug abuse among the young people has become a genuine social problem in Sikkim. This has become evident, especially for those children, where both parents are working and have less or no time to spend with their children. The changing nature of the society due to this deadly addiction into Sikkim’s ethnic society has a strong correlation with the socio-economic and political changes that followed in the state after its merger with the Indian Union in 1975’.
In short, the complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors has created a fertile ground for suicide clusters and crimes in Sikkim. It is a reflection of the broader social, economic, and psychological challenges faced by the state. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive/multi-pronged and sustained effort involving government, civil society, healthcare professionals, and the community at large.
By working together, we can create a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being, reduces stigma, and saves lives. Strengthening mental health services, including early intervention and crisis management, is paramount. Investing in community-based programs that promote emotional well-being and resilience is essential.
Creating awareness about mental health and reducing stigma are crucial steps. Economic empowerment through skill development and job creation can help alleviate financial pressures and provide individuals with a sense of purpose. Strengthening social support networks and reviving traditional values can foster a sense of belonging and community cohesion. Moreover, addressing the issue of substance abuse including alcoholism through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs is imperative. In this regard, Sikkim may consider drafting a comprehensive liquor policy.
Additionally, it is essential to identify and address the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the problem. Reducing income disparities, promoting financial literacy, and creating opportunities for social and economic mobility can help alleviate the pressure to achieve unrealistic goals. While Sikkim’s economic progress is undoubtedly commendable, it is vital to recognise that it has come with a cost!
The state’s high suicide rate is a stark reminder that economic growth alone cannot guarantee the well-being of its citizens. A holistic approach that prioritises mental health, social support, and equitable distribution of the fruits of development is essential to create a truly prosperous and resilient Sikkim.
By addressing the complex interplay between economic prosperity and mental health, Sikkim can become a model for other states in India and the world. It can demonstrate that it is possible to achieve economic success while also prioritising the well-being of its people. By investing in mental health, building strong communities, and promoting a culture of care, Sikkim can overcome its current challenges and create a brighter future for all its citizens.
The authors are Professor, Special Centre for the Study of NE India, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Asst Professor, Miranda House, Delhi University, New Delhi, respectively
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