Lok Sabha Question No. 3246 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-17
Subject: Rehabilitation of Soldiers
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Gowdar Mallikarjunappa Siddeshwara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3246

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 th  DECEMBER, 2021

## REHABILITATION OF SOLDIERS

3246. SHRI G.M. SIDDESHWAR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is aware that most of the army personnel are under severe stress and  the  defence  forces  are  losing  more  soldiers  every  year  due  to  suicides,  fratricides  and untoward incidents on the borders;
- (b) if so, the reasons thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any proposal to rehabilitate the soldiers; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the number of soldiers rehabilitated during the last three years?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a)  There have been instances of few suicide cases. A number of measures have been initiated by  Indian  Army  (IA)  including  conduct  of  studies  by  Defence  Institute  of  Psychological Research (DIPR) to curb suicides.
- (b) to (d): (i) Based on the analysis carried out by Defence Institute of Psychological Research, major causes of such incidents identified are as follows:-
- (a) Domestic & personal problems
- (b) Marital discord
- (c) Stress
- (d) Financial problems.

(ii)      Various  steps  have  been  taken  to  ensure  mental  health  /  de-stressing  of  Armed  Forces Personnel:-

(a) Mental Health Programme for the Armed Forces has been prepared and disseminated to the environment.

(b)  For  management  of  stress  amongst  soldiers,  Indian  Army  is  continuously  evolving measures to improve stress management.

(c) The issue of stress and strain is being addressed by Commanders in a comprehensive manner at various levels. Sessions for stress management are organised by Commanders and  Psychiatrists  at  all  major  stations.  Counselling  is  an  intrinsic  component  of  22 Psychiatric Centres in the Army,  manned  by  well  trained and highly qualified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nursing Assistants.

(d)  Specific  measures  have  been  put  in  place  as  part  of  the  multi-pronged  strategy  to address stress in Indian Army. These include sensitisation of Commanders on the subject, addressing  grievances  through  interactions,  implementation  of  'buddy'  system,  welfare measures like provision of adequate married accommodation, good schooling, recreation facilities,  etc.  Besides  these  basic  measures,  more  specific  actions  like  screening  of personnel for any stress markers, psychological counselling, training of counsellors (Non Medical  Officers,  Non  Medical  Junior  Commissioned  Officers  (JCOs)  /  Other  Ranks (OR) and Religious Teachers) are also being undertaken.

(e) Personnel at high risk of combat stress (vulnerable) are identified and counselled by Unit  Commanding  Officers,  Regimental  Medical  Officers  and  Junior  Leaders.  All personnel  returning  to  unit  after  leave  are  interviewed,  counselled  and  medically examined  by  the  Regimental  Medical  Officers.  Any  stress  marker  /  warning  signs  of stress are looked for and motivational talk is rendered to all.

(f) Religious Teacher JCOs besides preaching religion are also being trained to augment the availability of psychological counsellors in units.

(g)  Other institutional measures are also being implemented.

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