Lok Sabha Question No. 4187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-29
Subject: Suicides by CAPFs Personnel
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Balubhau (Alias Suresh Narayan) Dhanorkar, Keshari Devi Patel, Kanakmal Katara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4187

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29 TH  MARCH, 2022/CHAITRA 8, 1944 (SAKA) SUICIDES BY CAPFS PERSONNEL

4187. SHRI BALUBHAU ALIAS SURESH NARAYAN DHANORKAR: SHRIMATI KESHARI DEVI PATEL: SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  total  number  of  suicides  by  personnel  of  Central  Armed  Police Forces (CAPF) have been reported during the last ten years, year-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has set up a taskforce to prevent suicides by CAPF troops in December 2021 and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  any  reasons  have  been  identified  by  the  Government  for  the increasing number of suicides and the measures taken by the Government for better prevention and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether  the taskforce also will consult external mental  health professionals on the matter; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a): The  total  number  of  suicides  by  Central  Armed  Police  Forces (CAPFs),  Assam  Rifles  (AR)  &  National  Security  Guard  (NSG)  personnel reported during the last 10 years is at Annexure-I.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 4187 FOR 29.03.2022

(b): A  Task  force  was  set  up  in  October,  2021  to  identify  relevant  risk factors as well as relevant risk groups and suggest remedial measures for prevention of suicides in CAPFs & Assam Rifles (AR). The composition of 'Task Force' was modified in December, 2021.

(c)& (d): Domestic problems, illness and financial problems are some of the  contributory  factors  among  others  behind  the  incidents  of  suicide. Improvement  in  working  conditions  of  CAPFs,  Assam  Rifles  (AR)  & National  Security  Guard  (NSG)  is  a  constant  endeavour.  The  measures undertaken to promote mental health and well-being of Jawans in CAPFs, Assam Rifles (AR) & National Security Guard (NSG) are given in AnnexureII.

(e)&(f): As  per  its  Terms  of  Reference  (ToR),  the  Task  Force  may associate experts from organizations such as National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).

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## Number of suicides by personnel of CAPFs, Assam Rifles (AR) & National Security Guard (NSG) during the last 10 years

| Year   |   No. of suicides |
|--------|-------------------|
| 2012   |               118 |
| 2013   |               113 |
| 2014   |               125 |
| 2015   |               108 |
| 2016   |                92 |
| 2017   |               125 |
| 2018   |                96 |
| 2019   |               129 |
| 2020   |               143 |
| 2021   |               156 |
| Total  |              1205 |

Measures  are  taken/being  undertaken  to  promote  the  mental  health  and wellbeing  of  the  Jawans  in  the  CAPFs,  Assam  Rifles  (AR)  &  National Security Guard (NSG).

- (i) Transparent  policies  pertaining  to  transfer  and  leave  of  CAPFs, Assam  Rifles  (AR)  &  National  Security  Guard  (NSG)  personnel.  Choice posting is considered to the extent possible after the personnel served in hard  area.  The  hospitalization  period  due  to  injuries  while  on  duty  is treated as on duty.
- (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 states, J&K and LWE affected areas (except State Capitals).

(vi)      Providing  better  medical  facilities  as  well  as  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  Kendriya  Police  Kalyan Bhandar(KPKB), scholarship for wards etc. Air courier services have also been  provided  to  CAPFs,  Assam  Rifles  (AR)  &  National  Security  Guard (NSG) personnel deployed in NE States, J&K and LWE affected areas.

(ix) Designating retired CAPF personnel as ex-CAPF personnel for better identity and community recognition.

(x) To reduce the stress level of CAPFs,  Assam Rifles (AR) & National Security  Guard  (NSG)  personnel,  various  steps  have  been  taken  by  the MHA, CAPFs, Assam Rifles (AR) & National Security Guard (NSG). As part of the process, the "Art of Living" courses are being conducted for CAPFs, Assam Rifles (AR) & National Security Guard (NSG) personnel which have positive impacts on the Jawans.

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

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