The winter session of Parliament is going on. During this, a report was shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, 4 December. Data shared by the Home Ministry revealed that long shifts and constant lack of sleep are seriously affecting the personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The figures are telling the seriousness of this problem. The data showed that 730 jawans have taken their own lives in recent years, while more than 55,000 have resigned or voluntarily retired.

According to a task force formed to study the reasons for suicide by jawans, more than 80% of the suicides took place after the jawans returned from leave. The report shared by the Home Ministry states that the main reasons for committing suicide are the death of a spouse or family member, marital discord or divorce, financial difficulties and worries about raising children.

What measures are being taken to deal with the problem?
The Home Ministry also told what measures are being taken to deal with this problem. The Home Ministry has focused on increasing the time spent with family for CAPF personnel. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha that till October this year, 6,302 personnel spent 100 days with their families. The ministry has taken the initiative to keep the soldiers free from stress with a 100-day leave policy.

The task force constituted for the study has also recommended several measures to improve the mental health of the soldiers. This includes more regular interaction between officers and soldiers, proper distribution of duty hours for better rest and provision of recreational facilities. Along with this, suggestions have also been made to improve living conditions.

The report considers work pressure as a factor for suicide but family issues have been cited as the main reason. The report also mentions the reduction in the suicide rate among female personnel.