Total suicide deaths reached 1.7 lakh in 2024

Daily wage earners account for 31% of India's suicides: NCRB

By Snehil Singh

May 11, 2026

10:41 am

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What's the story

Daily wage earners accounted for a staggering 31% of all suicide deaths in India in 2024, the highest share in a decade. The data was revealed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The total number of suicide deaths across the country reached 1.7 lakh in 2024, up from 1.34 lakh in 2015.

Workforce impact

Tamil Nadu recorded highest number of suicides

The NCRB data showed that 52,910 daily wage earners died by suicide in 2024. This is a sharp rise from the previous high of 26.4% recorded in 2022. Casual laborers largely include this category, and they make up nearly one-fifth of India's total workforce. The report also highlighted that Tamil Nadu had the highest number of suicides among daily wage earners, with over 10,500 cases in 2024.

State statistics

Leading causes of suicide deaths

Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh also reported high numbers of suicides among daily wage earners. The NCRB data further revealed that 62.9% of all suicide victims in 2024 had an annual income of less than ₹1 lakh. "Family problems" was the leading cause of suicide deaths, accounting for 35% of all cases.

Methodology

Most common methods used for suicide deaths

The report also noted that hanging was the most common method used for suicide deaths (62.3%), followed by poisoning (24.5%). Other methods included drowning (4.4%) and coming under running vehicles or trains (2.5%). While daily wage earners remain a major category of suicide victims, housewives have seen a decline in their share over the past decade.

Helpline

Please seek help if you're having suicidal thoughts

If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Its number is 022-27546669 (24 hours). You can also dial Roshni NGO at [phone] or COOJ at [phone]. Sneha India Foundation, which works 24x7, can be contacted at [phone], while Vandrevala Foundation's helpline number is [phone] (call and WhatsApp).