Highest suicide rate in Sikkim

SNS: National Crime Records Bureau report states that in 2010-12 Sikkim topped the country’s suicide chart with 181 cases, most of these being in the 15-29 age group. In 2006 also, Sikkim showed the highest rate. 

Why so many were so driven to taking their own lives is somewhat puzzling because in 2006 alone the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, headed by Pawan Chamling, had boasted that its biggest achievement was in “human security” and claimed that this had been “acknowledged nationally”.

Already into his fourth term in office, Chamling has launched rural development plans in right earnest, reserved 30 per cent jobs for women, taken various ameliorative schemes and his most cherished dream is to provide every citizen with a home and two square meals. Besides, he has a dream of turning Sikkim into a model state and make every citizen a crorepati by 2050.

Misplaced optimism? Perhaps, going by that old adage about affording beggars the ride if wishes were horses