Context: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has successfully reduced its suicide rate by 40% in 2024 through targeted interventions, bringing it below the national average for the first time in five years.
Relevance: GS 2 (Social Issues, Suicide)
Reduction in Suicide Rates:
- CISF Suicide Rate: Dropped to 9.87 per lakh people in 2024, compared to the national rate of 12.4 per lakh people in 2022.
- Decline: A 40% reduction compared to the previous year.
Factors Contributing to Stress:
- Prolonged family separation.
- High-pressure work environment.
- Personal challenges.
- CAPFs are particularly vulnerable due to unique occupational challenges.
Proactive Measures Taken by CISF:
- Enhanced Communication:Commanding officers conduct regular visits and hold daily briefing-debriefing sessions to identify and address signs of distress.
- Grievance Redressal:Launched an online grievance portal for real-time monitoring and resolution, up to the Director General (DG) level.
- Mental Health Support:24×7 tele-counselling and personal counselling services.Over 4,200 personnel availed of counselling by September 2024.
- One-on-One Counselling:Individualized mental health support for personnel.
- Collaboration with AIIMS:Conducted a comprehensive mental health study and implemented actionable recommendations at the unit level.
Impact and Significance:
- The CISF’s efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive mental health interventions.
- The measures could serve as a model for other CAPFs and organizations dealing with high-stress environments.
