CISF initiative leads to 40 percent decline in suicide rate, fails below national average
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2025: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has achieved a significant milestone in reducing its suicide rate, which dropped to 9.87 per lakh in 2024-a decline of over 40 per cent compared to the previous year.

According to a release issued by CISF, the achievement underscored CISF's commitment to addressing mental health challenges that have long plagued members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), often attributed to stress, prolonged family separation, work-related pressures and personal issues.

As per the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the national suicide rate stood at 12.4 per lakh in 2022 .

In comparison, the CISF's suicide rate dropped to 9.87 per lakh in 2024, marking the first time in five years that the force's rate has fallen below the national average.

The CISF attributed the significant reduction of suicide in the force to the ongoing mental health initiatives and stress management programs implemented by the CISF to ensure the well-being of its personnel.

The Commanding officers have adopted a hands-on approach by regularly visiting duty posts to foster direct communication under the motto, "Know Your Men and Hear Your Men".

Company Commanders hold daily "briefing- debriefing" sessions to promptly identify and address signs of distress.

Yoga classes have also been regularly conducted in units by over 650 trained instructors.

To further alleviate stress, the CISF organises daily one-hour games sessions involving both officers and jawans, fostering camaraderie and team spirit.

An online grievance portal has been implemented to enable timely resolution of issues, with monitoring up to the Director General level.

The CISF has also collaborated with the Aditya Birla Education Trust to launch "Project Mann", a mental health support initiative that offers 24/7 tele-counseling and personal counseling.

In partnership with AIIMS, New Delhi, the CISF conducted a comprehensive mental health study that provided actionable recommendations now being implemented across units.

Additionally, recognizing that two-thirds of personnel grievances stem from posting issues, the CISF introduced a new HR policy in December 2024 to ensure better work- life balance through choice based postings.

The policy will also cater to the needs of working women, married couples and personnel nearing retirement.

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