(a) whether the Government proposes to strengthen the Defence-stress counselling set up, in view of the increasing number of suicide, suicide-attempts and cross-shooting amongst the Defence personnel; and
(b) if so, the details of the stress-relieving set up at present and the contemplated augmentation plan?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) & (b): There is no increasing trend of suicide/suicide attempts and cross-shooting cases in the Defence forces. The causes of some suicide incidents in the Defence forces are mostly related to personal, medical or family problems. A system of educating and counselling on stress related issues already exists in the Defence forces. This includes increased formal and informal interaction between senior and junior officers; strengthening time tested reporting and feedback system in the unit; using services of psychiatrists and counsellors to conduct lectures/presentations and educate officers/personnel; identifying personnel under stress and carrying out psychological conditioning and counselling of identified individuals. Officers and other personnel in the Services have been sensitized on the subject. Two Psychiatric centres in the Northern and Eastern Commands have been augmented by posting additional psychiatrists.