*We can't lose students over study pressure; revisit syllabus: LoP Alemao on student suicides*

Panaji: Stating that in the last three years, nine students have probably committed suicide in the state due to study pressure, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has urged the state government to address this grave matter by revisiting the syllabus.Reacting to a suicide reported at the BITS Pilani institute by a third-year Computer Science student, Alemao said that this is the fourth case in the institute over the past two years. "Apart from this institute, there have been five other cases in the state where students have committed suicide due to tension over board examinations, being upset with their performance, or depression over low marks," Alemao pointed out.He said that although the BITS Pilani cases are under investigation, the institute and government need to take swift action. "We need to find out the exact reasons from the students, whether the syllabus is tough and whether they are under pressure from parents, relatives, or the teaching fraternity. We can't lose our youth for the sake of marks and pressure. The government needs to act immediately and hold a meeting with the student community," Alemao advised.He added that the Director of Higher Education, as the state nodal officer coordinating with the National Task Force on issues related to mental health concerns, should take immediate action on this grave matter.