MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) There has been no increase in suicides and fratricidal killings in the
last few months.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) The main reasons attributed to such incidents are perceived grievances due
to harassment by seniors, domestic problems, marital discord, depression, denial or
delay in grants of leave, argument with colleagues, etc.
(d) The following terminal benefits are available:
(i) Family Pension – In case of suicides, @ 50% of last pay drawn for 7 years and
thereafter 30% of the last pay drawn for life or upto remarriage. In case of
fratricidal killings, @ 60% of last pay drawn for life.
(ii) Death Cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) – Half month’s pay for each completed
six monthly period of qualifying service subject to maximum of 33 times of pay
or Rs.3.5 lakhs whichever is less.
(iii) Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) – Rs.15 lakhs to Next to Kin of officers
and Rs.7.5 lakhs for Next of Kin of Personnel Below Officer Rank.
(iv) Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund (AFPPF) – The credit balance of AFPP
of the deceased.
(v) Leave Encashment – Pay for the accumulated leave of the deceased.
(vi) One Time Grant – Rs.5,000/- from Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).
(e) & (f): There is an effective grievances redressal machinery in the Armed
Forces to tackle suicides and fratricidal killings. Following measures have
already been taken by the Government to check such cases:-
(i) 50 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) from Army Medial Corps have been trained
as counsellors in Northern and Eastern Commands, where troops are engaged in
counter insurgency operations.
(ii) Religious Teachers, JCOs of Army Education Corps and Regimental Medical
Officers have been identified as ‘Psychological Health Mentors’ at unit level
and their services are being utilized accordingly.
(iii) Training capsules on relaxation exercise including Yoga and Pranayam have
been introduced.
(iv) Rotation of units and individuals to minimize exposure to stress is
being implemented.
(v) Leave policy has been liberalized permitting splitting of casual and annual leave.
(vi) All Chief Ministers have been requested to make the civil administration
more responsive to the problems of serving soldiers and their families.
(vii) Better man management and prompt attendance of grievances at unit level.
(viii) Improved accessibility of leaders and frequent interaction of junior
leaders with the soldiers.
(ix) Steps are being initiated to strengthen Rajya Sainik Boards and Zilla Sainik
Boards in all States to take necessary follow up action on the grievances of
soldiers in their home towns/villages.
