Question : Suicides among Housewives

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

(a) whether any research/study has been done by the Government to understand the cause for increasing number of suicides amongst housewives;
(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(c) the measures taken by the Government to prevent and reduce the number of suicides committed by housewives;
(d) whether the Government is contemplating to bring a draft Bill that will be allowing housewives to be paid for their housework; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)

(a) to (c) No madam, However, Law commission of India in its 210th Report “Humanisation and Decriminalization of attempt to Suicide” had recommended that Section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of Indian Penal Code need to be effaced from the statute book. ‘Public Health’ and ‘Public Order’ are the State subjects. However, the Government of India attaches highest importance in the matter and has approved implementation of the District Mental Health Programme in some of the districts of the country with added components of suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling in schools and colleges.
(d) & (e) No madam.

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