Despite stress management, fratricide, suicide cases in Indian Army on rise

There have been 44 suicides and a fratricide case in the Army alone this year.

Minister of Defence Subhash Bhamre on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that 310 army personnel had committed suicide since 2014. And nine officers and 19 junior commissioned officers were among those who committed suicide between 2014 and July 31. There have already been 44 suicides and a fratricide case in the Army alone this year, while in 2016 there were 101 cases, going past the figures of 78 in 2015, 84 in 2014, 86 in 2013 and 95 in 2012.

The latest case of an Army jawan shooting his senior has once again raised the issue of psychological problems faced by security personnel in their high stress-level jobs. Jawans often undergo tremendous mental stress for not being able to take care of the problems being faced by their families back home.

In order to cope up with these stress related problem the minister also listed out implementation of Sahayak system in Indian Army.

As per this system, soldiers are attached to an officer, and the soldier helps the officer in all ways possible. From guarding him to helping him carrying out his responsibilities, this exercise reportedly aims to resolve any stress jawans go through.

According to Bhamre, the Defence Institute of Psychological Research conducted several studies on suicides and fratricides and their findings highlighted the urgent need for steps to address the problem of stress. He further said that stress management sessions are organised in all major army stations by commanders and psychiatrists at various levels.

OneIndia News