Source: This post on Decline in Suicides Among CISF Personnel has been created based on ‘Suicides among CISF personnel dip 40% due to proactive measures’ published in The Hindu on 3rd January 2025.
UPSC Syllabus topic: GS -3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context: This article provides an in-depth overview of Air India’s introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi services, making it the first airline in India to offer Internet connectivity on domestic flights. The context is centered on the evolving trend of onboard connectivity in the aviation industry and its implications for passengers and airlines. Decline in Suicides Among CISF Personnel
What is the significance of the decline in suicide rates among CISF personnel?
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recorded a 40% reduction in suicide rates among its personnel, bringing the rate down to 87 per lakh in 2024, compared to the national average of 12.4 per lakh in 2022.
- This marks the first time in five years that the CISF rate has fallen below the national average.
Why is suicide among CISF personnel a critical issue?
Suicide remains a critical concern within Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), driven by factors such as: Stress, Prolonged family separation, Work-related pressures and Personal issues.
What measures were implemented by the CISF to address this issue?
- Personalised Engagement and Communication
- Commanding officers now conduct regular visits to duty posts.
- Daily “briefing–debriefing” sessions are held to identify and address signs of distress.
- Grievance Redressal: An online grievance portal was launched for:
- Timely monitoring and resolution of grievances.
- Escalation to higher authorities (up to DG level) when required.
- Mental Health Support
- 24×7 tele-counselling and personal counselling facilities were made available.
- Around 4,200 personnel benefited from these services till September 2024.
- Research and Implementation
- A comprehensive mental health study was conducted in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi.
- Recommendations from the study are being implemented at the unit level.
What do the NCRB data reveal about national suicide trends?
- National Suicide Rates (2017-2022):Increased from 9 per lakh in 2017 to 12.4 per lakh in 2022.
- CISF’s decline contrasts with the rising national trend, showcasing the effectiveness of their proactive measures.
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