Chhattisgarh ranks tenth in CRPF suicides
Raipur | Correspondent: Chhattisgarh has been reported to rank tenth in the country for maximum suicides among Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel over the past three years.
The state has witnessed a total of six such cases in the last three consecutive years.
2021 reported one death, 2022 reported two suicides, year 2023 the suicide escalated to three.
As revealed by region-wise data shared during a Lok Sabha session on Tuesday by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
From 2021 to June 2024, a total of 181 CRPF personnel who took their life. In 2021, there were 57 suicides, and in 2022, 43 personnel died by suicide.
The number rose again in 2023, with 57 reported suicides. As of June 2024, 24 CRPF personnel killed themselves.
Uttar Pradesh reportedly ranks first with 22 suicides from the year 2021 till June 2024. Following with Bihar reporting 17 deaths due to suicides up till June 2024 from 2021.
Haryana reported 15 suicides from 2021 to June 2024, Assam and Rajasthan reported 14 suicides each.
Kerala reported 11 while Tamil Nadu 10. Madhya Pradesh reported nine, Maharashtra eight, Karnataka seven.
Minister of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai outlined government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and mental health of CRPF personnel.
These include funds to enhance living conditions, a 24/7 toll-free counseling service from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), and an MoU with AIIMS New Delhi for continuous counseling via mobile and WhatsApp.
A robust grievance redressal system ensures regular interactions between commanders and troops, supported by a buddy system for sharing personal issues.
New technologies like the E-Leave and SANTOSH apps streamline leave applications and transfer requests.
Regular recreational activities and cultural programs aim to reduce stress and boost morale.
Monthly welfare meetings and quarterly Sainik Sammelans address personnel concerns, while morning yoga classes promote good health and stress relief.
In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the government also noted that from 2019 to 2023, 577 jawans from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Assam Rifles (AR) have died due to heart attacks and diseases in Naxal-affected areas.
