(a) whether any mechanism exists in the Armed Forces to look into the factors leading to stress and strain problems including suicides among Army personnel;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (c): There is a well laid mechanism existing in the Armed Forces for educating and counselling of individuals on stress related issues which cover suicides also. 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.