Lok Sabha Question No. 259 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-07-19
Subject: Mental Health of CAPFs
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dileshwar Kamait, Locket Chatterjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 259

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  JULY, 2022/ ASHADHA 28, 1944 (SAKA)

MENTAL HEALTH OF CAPFs

†259.     SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT: MS. LOCKET CHATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the measures taken to ensure the mental health of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs);

(b)  whether  the  CAPFs  get  fewer  facilities  as  compared  to  the  Indian Army/State Police; and

(c) if so, the reasons therefor and the corrective steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

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

(a):-  The measures undertaken to promote mental health and well-being of

Central Armed Police Force (CAPFs) personnel are given in the Annexure.

(b) & (c):- Service conditions of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and

Indian Army / State Police are governed by different set of Rules and not comparable on a one to one basis.

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## Measures taken/being undertaken to promote the mental health and wellbeing of the Jawans in the CAPFs/Assam Rifles (AR).

- (i) Transparent  policies  pertaining  to  transfer  and  leave  of  CAPFs  and    Assam  Rifles (AR)  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) 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) personnel, various steps have been taken by the MHA, CAPFs & Assam Rifles (AR). As part of the process, the "Art of Living" courses are being conducted for CAPFs/Assam Rifles (AR) 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.
- (xii) A Task Force has been set up in October, 2021 to suggest remedial measures for prevention of suicides & fratricide in CAPFs & Assam Rifles.

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