Lok Sabha Question No. 3445 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-01
Subject: Suicides in Para Military Forces
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3445

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 01 ST  JANUARY, 2019/ PAUSHA 11, 1940 (SAKA) SUICIDES IN PARA MILITARY FORCES

3445.     SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether of late the suicide rates and peer-killings are on the rise in the para military forces and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  details  of  suicides  attempted  and  committed  as  well  as  peerattacks and killings committed by the para military forces during the last three years and the current year;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  enquiry  into  the  stress levels to which the members of these forces are subjected to;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  received  numerous  complaints  directly and through social media with reference to the horrible working conditions as  well  as  food  rations  etc.  relating  to  the  various  wings  of  the  para military forces engaged in battling extremists and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  institute  a  high-level committee to examine the working and living conditions of the members of these forces and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b): Instances of suicides/ fratricides  reported  by  CAPFs/AR  during the last three years and current year as on 30.11.2018 are as under:-

| Death due to Suicide    | : 410   |
|-------------------------|---------|
| Attempt to suicide      | : 116   |
| Peer attacks & killings | : 29    |

(c): An  enquiry  is  conducted  in  each  case  of  fratricide/killing/firing  at colleagues and suicide case. It has been observed that causes/ circumstances  behind  most  of  such  cases  are  found  to  be  generally personal  and  domestic  problems  like  marital  discord,  personal  enmity, mental illness, depression etc.

(d) & (e): In the past, a video tape was uploaded in social media by a BSF personnel regarding poor quality of food in BSF.  CRPF had also reported two such complaints of poor quality of food with various other grievances. An enquiry into the allegation of poor quality of food and other grievances was got conducted and the complaints were found unsubstantiated. All the Forces have a robust grievance redressal mechanism at their end and they have been advised to ensure that the officers during their visit to posts, may  check  on  the  aspects  of  living conditions, clothing, food  and equipment and they may also take initiative to get free and frank feedback of the personnel. It has been advised that senior officers may also partake the food prepared for the jawans and endorse a note on the quality/quantity of  food  in  the  inspection  register.  The  Forces  have  also  been  advised  to review  their  internal  grievances  redressal  system  and  take  proactive measures to redress the grievances.

SOPs  on  the  working  and  living  conditions  of  CAPFs/AR  personnel  are framed  and  reviewed  by  the  forces  to  improve  the  working  conditions. Some  of  the  measures  taken  to  improve  the  working  conditions  of CAPFs/AR personnel are given at Annexure-I.

*********

## Some of the measures taken to improve working conditions of CAPFs/AR personnel.

(i) Transparent policies pertaining to transfer and leave of CAPFs and AR personnel.  The hospitalization period due to injuries while on duty is treated as on duty.  Choice posting is considered to the extent possible after the personnel served in hard area. (ii) Regular interaction of officers with troops to find out and redress their grievances. (iii) Ensuring adequate rest and relief by regulating the duty hours. (iv) Improving living conditions for troops, providing adequate recreational/ entertainment,  sports,  communication  facilities  etc.    Crèche  facility  is  also  provided  at various establishments (where feasible) to facilitate the female employees. (v) Facility  of  retention  of  government  accommodation  at  the  place  of  last  posting  (for keeping  the  family)  while  posted  in  NE  State,  J&K  and  LWE  affected  areas  (except  State Capitals). (vi) Providing better medical facilities, also organizing talks with specialists to address their personal and psychological concerns and organizing Meditation & Yoga routinely for better stress management. (vii)  Adequately compensating the troops deployed in difficult areas. (viii)  Other  welfare  measures  like  facility  of  Central  Police  Canteen  (CPC),  scholarship  for wards etc.  Also air courier service has been provided to CAPF personnel deployed in NE States, J&K and LWE affected areas as welfare measure. (ix) Designating  retired  CAPF  personnel  as  ex-CAPF  personnel  for  better  identity  and community recognition.

- (x)     Promotions are released regularly to eligible personnel as & when the vacancies arise. Financial  benefits  under  Modified  Assured  Career  Progression  (MACP)  are  given  in  case promotion does not take place for want of vacancies at 10, 20 & 30 years of service.
- ----------