Suicide deaths among Central Reserve Police Force personnel have declined for the first time over the last five years. There is a decline of nearly 20% in the total number of suicide cases, according to the data available until October 2.
According to the data, 32 personnel killed themselves this year. In 2021, the number was 40, up from 37 in 2020 until the first week in October. Moreover, the total number of suicide deaths in 2018 was 38, up from 54 in 2019.
The CRPF concluded that since a constant low is recorded in the number of suicide cases, the total number of cases in a year recorded will be low.
“For the first time in the last five years, the data shows that there is a dip in number of suicide cases in the force. Almost 20% dip has been noticed till October 2. But we can’t say these numbers are final as a couple of months are left. Going by the current data, it is expected that the force will have fewer such cases,” a senior CRPF official told.
Last year, the CRPF asked all its commanders to identify personnel who were experiencing depression due to personal or work-related problems. Once any unusual behavior is noticed, assessed and confirmed in any individual, an administrative decision needs to be taken regarding redeployment of such personnel for duty without arms/ammunition.
In 2021, CRPF also decided to start ‘chaupal’ discussions involving Jawan’s. In an official communication, then Director General of CRPF Kuldiep Singh called on the force to hold village-style gatherings as an emotional outlet for the Jawan’s.
This year, noting a steady rise in suicide deaths among Jawans recruited to the Central Armed Forces, the issue was also raised in Parliament.
A written response from the home ministry had said, “Domestic problems, illness and financial problems are some of the contributory factors among others behind incidents of death by suicide.”
