CISF Initiatives Lead to 40% Decline in Suicides, Rate Falls Below National Average

New Delhi, Jan 03: Suicide among members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has long been a critical concern, driven by stress, prolonged family separation, work-related pressures, and personal issues. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken commendable steps to address this complex issue, resulting in a significant reduction in suicides within the force in 2024.

According to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the national suicide rate stood at 12.4 per lakh in 2022. In contrast, CISF’s suicide rate has dropped to 9.87 per lakh in 2024, marking a decline of over 40% compared to the previous year. This is the first time in the last five years that CISF’s suicide rate has fallen below the national average.

The force’s success can be attributed to a series of proactive measures aimed at improving the mental well-being of its members.

Proactive Measures to Combat Stress:

• Personalized Engagement: Commanding officers regularly visit duty posts to engage with personnel directly, fostering open communication under the motto “Know Your Men and Hear Your Men.” Additionally, Coy Commanders hold daily “briefing debriefing” sessions to promptly identify and address signs of distress.
• Stress Management Initiatives: To combat stress, CISF has incorporated yoga into its routine, with 650 trained yoga instructors conducting sessions across various units. Every unit has at least one instructor to guide personnel in stress-relief exercises.
• Games and Recreation: One-hour games sessions are organized for both Jawans and Officers in each unit, promoting physical fitness and relaxation.
• Online Grievance Portal: An online grievance redressal system has been implemented, enabling timely monitoring and resolution of grievances at all levels, up to the Director General (DG).

Mental Health Support:

• Project Mann: This initiative provides 24/7 tele-counseling and personal counseling services. As of September 2024, around 4,200 CISF personnel have benefited from this facility. One-on-one counseling has also been made available, in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Education Trust.
• Mental Health Study through AIIMS: A comprehensive study on mental health was conducted in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi. The findings have led to actionable recommendations, which are now being implemented at the unit level.

Improved Work-Life Balance:

CISF has recognized the impact of posting-related issues on personal life, with a recent study revealing that two-thirds of personnel grievances were related to posting matters. In response, a new HR policy was introduced in December 2024, aimed at ensuring better work-life balance through choice-based postings. This policy addresses the needs of working women, married couples, and personnel nearing retirement.

CISF remains committed to prioritizing the well-being and mental health of its force members, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive both professionally and personally.