CISF efforts reduced suicides by 40%, the number falls below the national average

NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has achieved a significant milestone in combating suicide among its personnel, reporting a 40% drop in 2024 compared to the previous year. This is the first time in five years that the CISF’s suicide rate has fallen below the national average, a testament to the effectiveness of its comprehensive mental health initiatives.

The suicide rate within the CISF has seen a dramatic reduction, falling to 9.87 per lakh in 2024 compared to 16.98 per lakh in 2023. In contrast, the national suicide rate stood at 12.4 per lakh by 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Over the past five years, 730 suicides have been reported across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), National Security Guard (NSG) and Assam Rifles (AR), highlighting the ongoing mental health challenges within these forces.

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A study conducted in collaboration with AIIMS identified several key factors contributing to suicide among CAPF personnel, including lack of emotional support in nuclear families, marital discord, financial worries, chronic illnesses, loneliness and inability to share stress with work-related pressure.

To address these challenges, the CISF has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving the mental health and general well-being of its personnel. Commanding officers regularly visit watch posts to promote direct communication, adhering to the motto “Know your men and hear your men.” Daily briefings and debriefings by company commanders further help identify signs of distress.

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Stress management initiatives such as yoga sessions conducted by 650 trained instructors and regular games involving both jaws and officers ensure physical activity and camaraderie. An online grievance portal allows staff to escalate issues directly to the highest levels, ensuring timely resolution. The mental health initiative, Project Mann, offers 24×7 telecounseling and in-person counseling, benefiting over 4,200 employees by September 2024.

To improve work-life balance, a choice-based posting policy was introduced in December 2024, which addresses grievances related to transfers and addresses the needs of women, married couples and staff approaching retirement. These efforts demonstrate the importance of proactive mental health in reducing suicide. By prioritizing the welfare of its personnel, the CISF sets a benchmark for other CAPFs to emulate.