Suicides and Fratricides in CRPF AND it's preventive measures (Updated).pptx

Suicides and fratricides in CRPF and preventive measures

1. 1 Sudhanshu Singh DIG Trg Suicides and Fratricides in CRPF

2. Data on Fratricides and Suicides in CRPF 2

3. Number of suicides and fratricide cases for last 10 years 3 Years No of Fratricide incidents No of deaths in fratricides incidents No of suicides 2012 6 8 44 2013 1 38 2014 2 4 41 2015 2 1 38 2016 00 29 2017 01 04 38 2018 02 02 36 2019 03 05 42 2020 03 03 60 2021 07 08 56 2022 00 00 44 Note: CRPF is a 3.25 lakh strong force.

4. Analysis of suicide cases (2012 to 2022) 4 Theatre wise breakup Name of State 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 LWE 14 05 11 14 06 10 08 06 12 17 11 NES 05 10 05 08 01 07 06 12 06 08 05 J&K 12 10 09 07 09 05 05 04 18 11 06 OTHER 13 13 16 09 13 16 17 20 24 20 09 Total 44 38 41 38 29 38 36 42 60 56 44 LWE 24.8% NES 16.4% J&K 21.2% Others 37.6%   Note: Proportionate ratio of Suicides in peace areas are more in comparison to Suicides in Hard areas

5. Analysis of suicide cases (2012 to 2021) 5   2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 During leave 19 07 04 02 06 08 03 12 11 10 During duty 25 31 37 36 23 30 33 30 49 56 Place wise breakup Suicide during leave 19.6% Suicide during duty 80.4%

6. Analysis of suicide cases (2012 to 2022) 6 Marital status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Married 34 32 34 32 24 25 27 36 51 46 28 Unmarried 10 06 07 06 05 13 09 06 09 10 03 Marital status wise breakup Married 80.7 % Unmarried 19.3%

7. Age group wise breakup 7 Age group 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 20-30 YRS 18 18 21 22 16 18 13 11 24 19 12 30-40 YRS 11 09 10 08 07 08 12 19 18 30 09 40-50 YRS 14 11 08 07 05 12 10 06 14 07 08 50-60 YRS 01 - 02 01 01 - 01 06 04 - 02 Total 44 38 41 38 29 38 36 42 60 56 44 20-30 yr 42.6% 30-40 yr 31.4% 40-50 yr 22.2% 50-60 yr 3.8%

8. Rank wise breakup 8 Rank 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2-I/C - - - - 01 - 01 - - - DC - - - - - - - - 01 - AC - - - - 02 - - 01 - - Inspector/GD - - 01 - 01 - - - 01 01 Inspector/RO - - - - - - 01 - - - SI/GD - 01 02 06 - 01 02 01 02 01 01 SI/Civil - - - - - - - 01 01 - - SI/RO - - - - - - - 01   - - ASI/GD 01 02 04 01 - 01 02 03 06 - 01 HC/M 01 - - - - - - - - - 01 HC/GD 10 09 08 11 13 07 08 03 11 07 07 HC/RO - - - - - - 01 - 01 02 01 HC/Arm 01 - - - - - - 01 - 01 - HC/DVR 02 - - - - 02   02 - 01 - CT/GD 19 22 24 17 09 17 14 22 32 30 15 CT/FTR - - - - - - 01 - 01 - - CT/DVR 02 - - - - 02 02 01 01 - - CT/Bug 01 - - - - - - - 01 02 - CT/Arm - - - - - - - - - 01 - CT/TLR - - - - - - - - - 01 01 CT/Dft - - - - - - - - - 01 - RT 01 01 01 02 - 05 - - - - 01 COOK 01 01 - - - 01 - - 01 03 02 SK - 01 - 01 - 01 - 03 - 03 - W/C 02 01 - - 02 - 01 - - - - B/B - - 01 - - - 01 02 - 01 - W/M 02 - - - 01 01 02 - 01 02 01 Mason 01 - - - - - - 01 - - - Total 44 38 41 38 29 38 36 42 60 56 31 GOs 1.4% SOs 10.0% HC 24.3% Ct 64.3%

9. Methods of Suicide 9 Method 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Hanging 22 13 14 18 08 17 13 22 19 32 15 Consuming poison 05 03 03 02 03 - 02 01 01 03 01 Shooting 15 18 23 18 16 21 18 18 38 20 13 Colliding intentionally by train - 02 - - 01 -   - - 01 - Drowning - - 01 - - - 01 01 - 01 - Cutting vein / throat - - - - 01 -   - 01 03 02 Self immolation 02 - - - - - 01 - - - - Jumping from building - - - - - - 01 - 01 - - Other reasons - 02       -   - - - - Hanging 41.2% Shooting 48.3% Consuming Poison 5.7% Drowning 1.0% Other reasons 3.8%

10. SUMMARY OF SHOOT OUT CASES IN CRPF FROM 2010 TO 2022 10 YEAR NO. OF INCIDENT NO. OF DEATHS NO. OF INJURED No of cases in which the accused committed suicide committed after the incident Departmental Punishment Awarded to the Accused Dismissal from Service Others 2012 06 08 04 01 04 01 was civil police constable and action taken by civil police. 2013 01 00 00 Nil 01 Nil 2014 02 04 00 01 01 Nil 2015 02 01 05 Nil 02 Nil 2016 00 00 00 Nil Nil Nil 2017 01 04 01 Nil 01 Nil 2018 02 02 01 Nil 02 Nil 2019 03 05 05 01 01 01 case is under process 2020 03 03 01 02 01 Nil 2021 05 06 09 01 Nil 04 case are under process 2022 00 00 00 00 00 Nil Total 34 54 30 8 19  

11. Domicile of personnel who committed Suicide (last 6 yrs ) 11 Name of States Year Total State wise % 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 A P 05 00 04 05 04 01 18 7.39 Assam 04 01 02 08 04 02 21 8.26 Bihar 02 00 00 02 07 02 14 5.21 Chattisgarh 03 00 01 02 01 01 9 3.48 Delhi 00 00 02 00 00 2 0.87 Gujarat 00 00 01 01 01 02 6 1.74 H P 01 01 01 00 01 02 6 1.74 Haryana 04 06 07 02 03 03 25 9.56 J&K 01 00 01 02 01 5 1.74 Jharkhand 00 00 01 03 00 4 1.74 Karnataka 00 02 02 02 07 01 13 5.22 Kerala 03 03 00 01 03 02 13 4.78 M P 00 01 03 02 02 01 10 3.91 Maharastra 03 01 01 05 05 01 17 6.96 Manipur 01 00 00 00 00 00 1 0.44 Odisha 01 01 00 03 01 01 6 2.17 Puduchery 00 00 01 00 00 00 1 0.44 Punjab 02 00 01 01 01 00 5 2.17 Rajasthan 02 01 01 06 05 01 16 6.52 T N 01 01 04 03 01 02 12 4.35 Telangana 00 01 01 01 01 00 4 1.74 Tripura 00 01 00 00 00 00 1 0.44 U P 03 10 05 07 06 08 36 12.17 Uttrakhand 00 00 01 01 01 00 3 0.87 W B 02 06 02 03 01 00 14 6.08 Total 38 36 42 60 56 31 261 99.99

12. Domicile of personnel who committed Fratricides (last 6 yrs ) 12 S No Name of State of 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total % 1 Uttar Pradesh 01 - 01 - -   - 02 14.28 2 Bihar - 01 - - 03   - 04 28.59 3 Maharashtra - 01 - - -   - 01 7.14 4 Madhya Pradesh - - 02 - -   - 02 14.28 5 Rajasthan - - - 01 -   - 01 7.14 6 Gujarat - - - 01 -   - 01 7.14 7 J & K - - - 01 -   - 01 7.14 8 Chattishgarh - - - - 01   - 01 7.14 9 Tripura - - - - 01   - 01 7.14   Total 01 02 03 03 05   - 14 99.99

13. Addressing the issue of Suicide and Fratricide in CRPF 14 a) Action taken after Suicide/Fratricide incidents: i . Reporting of incident ii. Conduct of Court of Inquiry iii. Follow up on Findings and Suggestions b) Instructions issued by CRPF HQ in the past c) Studies: In-house d) Studies: by Other Agencies

14. Suicides and Fratricides: Entitled Financial Benefits available to them 15 Sl No Nature of incident Central Ex-Gratia (in Rs) Risk Fund (in Rs) E0P/Family Pension Remarks 1. Suicide Nil 20 lakhs Normal family pension( 50% of basic pay till life or re-marriage ) Risk Fund amount enhanced from Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs wef 1 Nov 21 2 Fratricide 25 lakhs 20 lakhs EoP (60 % of basic) till life or re-marriage Case of LPA sanctioned by MHA of NOK of one ASI of 226 Bn who died in Fratricide incident in Jharkhand in 2019. When case of the AC was sent in the same incident MHA turned down as well intimated that earlier case also being reviewed, and order being cancelled as such cases are entitled for EoP .            

15. Instructions issued by CRPF HQ 16

16. Instructions issued by CRPF HQ: Fratricides 17 Sl. No. Date Excerpts 1 13/09/2021 Identification of personnel suffering from depression, alcohol/drug addicted/personality disorders and having financial crisis and their counselling. 2 10/12/2019 Chunav Nirdeshika prohibits carriage and consumption of liquor during elections: reiteration of instruction. 3 23/03/2019 LMC personnel categorized in ‘S’’ factor should be kept away from access to any weapon. 4 30/01/2018 Reasons of Fratricides 5 16/01/2012 Consumption and management of liquor. One Counsellor per Company be appointed within the existing instructions. 6 04/08/2010 Detailment of barrack NCO Regular counselling sessions

17. Instructions issued by CRPF HQ: Fratricides 18 Sl. No. Date Excerpts 7 01/08/2007 Mentally sick/disturbed/psychic patients should not be detailed for duty with weapons/firearms. 8 01/02/2007 Taking Interview by Commandant of men returning from leave 9 24/08/2006 Revamp grievance redressal machinery. 10 02/01/2003 Lack of interaction with SOs and Men by senior officers. 11 05/05/2001 Recommendation of Director Medical to stop such incident. 12 23/07/1998 Director Medical should send his team of experts to the spot of incident for study of the psychological/ emotional aspect of the incident.

18. Instructions issued by CRPF HQ: Suicides 19 Sl.No. Date Excerpts 1 06 and 12/10/2021 Introduction of Chaupal system: An informal system of interaction among men. 2 29/03/2021 Circulation of mobile number of Dr. Vinod Kumar, Psychologist for 24 x 7 counselling. 3 02/07/2020 Strengthening Section integrity and role of SM 4 5/12/2019 Prompt attendance of grievances of men 5 08/08/2017 Suggestions to improve reduction of stress in Coys 6 18/12/2012 Strengthening of Buddy system 7 28/11/2007 Handling of HIV Positive patients. 8 22/06/2007 No weapon should be left unattended. 9 22/06/2007 No weapon should be left unattended. 10 18/12/1998 Director Medical directed to study and analyse each cases of suicide. 11 18/05/1992 Suggestion to improve reduction of stress in Coys

19. Instructions issued by CRPF HQ: Grievance Redressal 20 Sl. No. Date Excerpts 1   Grievance Redressal 2 08/11/2021 Details shared, in PPT form, on functioning of Grievance Management System (GMS) for awareness 3 28/06/2021 One CRPF representative should meet with the SP/DM to sort out grievance related to land/property dispute. 4 16/04/2021 Pending cases of Grievance redressal due to ongoing court cases be perused for expeditious decision by the court. 5 05/03/2021   Introduction of Helpline with a dedicated mobile number having WhatsApp, with every Control Room of units/CRPF establishments for grievance redressal.

20. Synopsis of various Studies carried out on Stress Management/Suicide/ Fratricide 21

21. 22 (1) Study/Analysis of Fratricide for the year 1999 and 2000, conducted by Ops Dte (2001): Shri A K Singh, DIG Adm , Shri S S Rawat, ADIG Ops and Shri C V Mathew, Commandant Trg Inferences and co-relations: Operational areas are more prone to such incidents compared to non-operational areas. Personnel of the level of Ct to HC, and personnel with less than 10 years of service, are more involved in such incidents. There is direct co-relation between alcoholism and addition to such incidents.

22. 23 (1) Study/Analysis of Fratricide for the year 1999 and 2000, conducted by Ops Dte (2001): Shri A K Singh, DIG Adm , Shri S S Rawat, ADIG Ops and Shri C V Mathew, Commandant Trg Opinion The logical inference is that these incidents are freak in nature and not predictable by parameters. Psychological screening done earlier not proved effective. at the time of recruitment is not the real solution, as psychological screening and categorisation conducted by a professional agency (NICFS), on a large sample of RAF personnel have proved to be ineffective. Solution to the problem lies in restoring “credibility of command” at various levels. The failure, basically lies in Focus on strengthening dis-integration of the Sections and Platoons, and the Cdrs. Focus on strengthening of Section Cdr and Pln Cdr.

23. 24 Conclusion: 24.3% personnel had significant psychological distress and caseness . P sychological distress was highest in age groups of 18-30 yr and 31-40 yr (24% each). Females had significantly lower psychiatric morbidity, compared to male personnel. Psychological distress was highest in divorced/separated (45.8%). P sychological distress highest in personnel from semi-rural areas (29.8%) and lowest from urban areas (21.8%). P sychological distress experienced by a significant percentage of Constables (25.5%), l east in GOs (9.3%) and SOs (14.3%). Psychiatric morbidity- highest (4 to 7 yrs and 16 to 20 yrs ) of service. (2) An Epidemiological Study to assess the Psychiatric morbidity in CRPF, with technical support of Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS and Medical Officers of CRPF (conducted in 2011 )

24. 25 Recommendations: Increase awareness levels about the psychological or psychiatric symptoms. among the CRPF personnel. Firearms not to be given to personnel with psychological disorder. Filling up of vacancies in field units. Increasing promotion prospects of jawans. Improving living conditions. Reduce uncertainty of leave. Issuance of alcohol may be restricted in Units. (2) An Epidemiological Study to assess the Psychiatric morbidity in CRPF, with technical support of Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS and Medical Officers of CRPF (conducted in 2011 )

25. (3) Pilot study conducted by IIM, Ahmedabad on Stress amongst CAPF personnel (2012) 26 Stress Management The short term plan was drawn by MHA, with inputs from the book titled “Emotional intelligence and Occupational stress”; the Pilot study conducted by IIM, Ahmedabad and meetings were also held at MHA with the representatives from CAPFs and BPR&D. Following recommendations were made as Short Term Measures for mitigating the stress amongst CAPF personnel:  

26. (3) Pilot study conducted by IIM, Ahmedabad on Stress amongst CAPF personnel (2012) 27 Stress Management   Drinking water supply Electricity Vehicle deployment for pick up and drop to duty location Lack of telephone facility at field locations Non availability of loans to the jawans Setting up of helpline Providing critical/ basic elements in BoPs

27. 28  The book includes Chapters on: Mental health in CRPF Suicide Fratricide Depression Life style changes and its effect on mental health Alcoholism Stress and its management General instructions to prevent suicide/fratricide incidents The book discusses various aspects related to suicide and fratricide, its causes and prevention. (4) A B ook on Human Behaviour and Mental Health , composed by Medical Dte

28. 29   Objectives Developing campaign material for enhancing the importance of mental health. Developing self help and peer support intervention modules. Developing a module for enhancing their awareness among Commandants, Medical Officers and nursing personnel. Developing a program for training of trainers for the above mentioned module. Results 30% of the jawans had psychological distress and poor perceived social support . 70% reported high stress and 25% were at risk for alcohol and tobacco dependence. Training programs were effective in improving knowledge, attitudes and practices related to mental health . (5) Development, implementation and evaluation of a Training program in Mental Health C are for CRPF personnel, conducted by NIMHANS Bengaluru( study conducted wef 03 Jun 2016 to 31 Aug 2018)

29. 30 Recommendations Continuing mental health education programs for jawans and Training Workshops for Cdrs. Systematic change to increase a sense of fairness . Reducing dissatisfaction related to sanction of leave . Enhancing support for families of jawans through a family buddy system. De-stigmatization of mental health campaigns. Availability of psychiatrists & clinical psychologists .  Various videos/ pamphlets received for awareness campaign.   (5) Development, implementation and evaluation of a Training program in Mental Health C are for CRPF personnel, conducted by NIMHANS Bengaluru( study conducted wef 03 Jun 2016 to 31 Aug 2018)

30. 31  349 personnel of 11 Units of Konta and Sukma Ops Ranges, participated in the Workshop in which GOs-7 including CMO, SOs-3 and ORs-7 spoke on the issue. The proceedings were circulated to all GCs/Units, vide HQ Konta Ops Range lr , dt 17 Feb 19 . Issues discussed openly with the P articipants and the participants also expressed their views and also shared experiences . A long list of reasons for suicide/ fratricide and the remedial measures , were deliberated upon during the Workshop . I mportant Reasons and Remedies , discussed in the Workshop , are as under: (6) Workshop on ‘Increasing cases of Suicide and Fratricide in Force-Reasons and Solutions’ organised by HQ Konta Ops Range on 19 Jan 19 at HQ Konta Ops Range, Sukma

31. 32 S No Reasons 1 Feeling of taking revenge 2 Forming Groups 3 Making Derogatory / abusive remarks 4 Role of supervisory staff –at times insensitive, impartial, etc 5 Not having control over anger / Short tempered  6 Having poor knowledge of personnel by Section Cdr 7 Instigation 8 Misguide by senior NCOs 9 Making fun of personnel’s problem 10 Intake of liquor and involve in scuffle 11 Lack of discipline 12 Favouritism Fratricides: Reasons

32. 33 Fratricides: Reasons 13 Castiest remarks 14 Leave 15 Lack of Regimentation 16 Continuous harassment beyond a point 17 Mockery by personnel 18 Misuse of weapon 19 Not having courage to fight the situation 20 Reduced tolerance level/ stress bearing capability ( cnkZ”r dk eknk dk deh gksuk ) among men

33. 34 Fratricides: Remedy S No Remedy 1 Emotions of personnel should be given due care and respect 2 Role of officers/supervisory staff should be impartial and as a guide/guardian 3 Cdrs to show compassion 4 Not to use abusive language 5 Problems and complaints should be addressed properly/ with positivity 6 System of Interview by Commandant, before and after return from leave, has helped minimize things 7 No one should make fun of anybody or his problems 8 Cdrs try to judge the body language of jawans 9 Sports and cultural programmes in Coys be regularly organized

34. 35 Fratricides: Remedy 10 Emotions of personnel should be given due care and respect 11 Role of officers/supervisory staff should be impartial and as a guide/guardian 12 Cdrs to show compassion 13 Regular physical exercises for maintaining temperament of a personnel 14 Strengthening buddy system: Buddy to be made more responsible 15 Improving tolerance/stress bearing capability ¼cnkZ”r dk eknk½ among men 16 Complaint box in Coys and Bn HQ 17 Cdrs should be able to absorb pressure 18 Not to call men by nicknames 19 Men should not have feeling of revenge and should be able to pardon their colleagues

35. 36 Suicides: Reasons S No Reasons 1 Suicides are committed when person becomes hopeless from life; has no desire to live; unable to make proper judgement; does act of suicide in fit of emotion  2 Maximum: Domestic problems 3 Not sharing problems to seniors and colleagues.  4 Unable to bear humiliation (when caught committing theft, unauthorisedly withdrawal of money by ATM, making fun by fellow men, etc) 5 Failure to resolve problem timely. 6 Not getting cooperation from family members 7 Lack of confidence 8 Getting married by hiding facts 9 Doubt on wife’s conduct 10 Mockery by colleagues of personal problems 11 Caught in financial trap (loans, EMI, etc), Financial loss/ problem or excessive loan 12 Punishing oneself for all miseries

36. 37 Suicides: Reasons 13 Get agitated on receiving problems back at home conveyed through mobile phones 14 Unable to share grievance with any one 15 Lack of recreational facilities 16 Extra marital relations of wife 17 Tense relation between parents and wife 18 Depression 19 Impartial attitude of supervisors 20 Failure in love affair 21 Derogatory remarks and self respect 22 Prolonged / serious illness 23 Lack of faith among colleagues in sharing problems 24 Reduced tolerance level/ stress bearing capability ( cnkZ”r dk eknk dk deh gksuk ) among men 25 Unable to cope up pressures than fighting a situation 26 Men suffering from STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) 27 Counsellors in Coys 28 Suicides committed by cowards

37. 38 Suicides: Remedy S No Remedy 1 Everyone should have someone to share his grievances and emotions 2 Face problems firmly and with confidence 3 Confide with seniors of problems and seeking solutions 4 Remain positive in life 5 Taking loan that can be easily paid; avoid financial traps 6 Develop positive attitude to deal with any situation 7 The personnel should disclose their grievances to their seniors. Simultaneously, it is the responsibility of senior to address it properly and not to disclose it to other personnel 8 Supervisors/ Officers, should not be vindictive or partial 9 Refrain from commenting on family of anyone 10 Not to make fun of anybody or his problems 11 Regularly engage personnel in recreational activities as per their routine

38. 39 Suicides: Remedy 12 Grievances or improper behaviour of any colleague should be promptly reported to seniors 13 Consider CRPF as a family 14 Keep talking amongst men 15 Men should know each other well 16 Cdrs to also know their men well 17 Improving tolerance/stress bearing capability ¼cnkZ”r dk eknk½ among men 18 Sports and cultural programmes in Coys be regularly organized 19 Regular physical exercises for maintaining temperament of a personnel 20 Strengthening buddy system: Buddy to be made more responsible and accountable 21 Reduce easy availability of weapon 22 Celebrating birthdays of men 23 Having fighter mind set

39. (7) Study and Analysis Report in respect of Fratricide and Suicide cases of J&K Zone 40   12 cases of Suicide and 01 case of Fratricide was studied for analysis( Psychological Autopsy Reports) . The factors affecting Suicide have been categorised as under: Individual risk factors Previous suicide attempts. Mental disorders. Job or financial loss. Hopelessness. Chronic pain and illness. Family history of suicide.

40. (7) Study and Analysis Report in respect of Fratricide and Suicide cases of J&K Zone 41 b) Community and relationship risk factors War and conflict. Stress of acculturation and dislocation. Discrimination against subgroups. Trauma or abuse, disciplinary or legal crises, financial problems, work-related problems and bullying. Sense of isolation and lack of social support. Relationship conflict, discord or loss.  c) Health system and societal risk factors Barriers to accessing health care. Access to means. Inappropriate media reporting and social media. Stigma.

41. 42 Factors protecting people from Suicide: Strong personal relationships. Religious or spiritual beliefs. Practice of effective positive coping strategies.  Suggestions for curbing suicides in CRPF: Short term strategy Surveillance. Identifying the probable causes & buffers. Identifying and target vulne4reable groups. Increase awareness. Reduce access to means of suicide.

42. 43 Long term strategy Need to discuss psychiatric disorders and suicides in all training programmes. To begin with – GMHAT assessment is required, to assess the levels of stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD prevalent in the units. Sector wise psychologists may be though of in the long run, along with the cadre of CRPF counsellors cum healers proposed to be created, to help in GMHAT assessments. A cadre of 12-14 counsellors cum healers trained in various techniques, have to be created, in every Battalion, 2 from each Company.

43. (8) Pilot Study Report on the issue of Domestic Empowerment in CRPF, by IIM, Lucknow ( MoU signed between CRPF with IIM, Lucknow on 30 Jan 21) 44  Objectives: Awareness of FWC initiatives among spouses of personnel. Manner of implementation of said initiatives. Additional expectations of families from CRPF with respect to domestic empowerment and welfare. Findings: Wives of CRPF personnel posted in GC Expressed desire for activities to facilitate community feeling to enhance connectedness. Wives of CRPF personnel staying outside the GC Reported perceived differentiation in services such as canteen facility, movement inside and outside campus and communication of programs held at FWC. Wives of CRPF personnel deployed outside GC (hard posting) Shared feeling of loneliness, whey they face any problem, like visiting hospital outside GC Campus. They desired some emotional and moral support, when faced with challenging issues.

44. (8) Pilot Study Report on the issue of Domestic Empowerment in CRPF, by IIM, Lucknow ( MoU signed between CRPF with IIM, Lucknow on 30 Jan 21) 45 Widows of CRPF personnel They reported physical and mental health related issues that emerged after the untimely demise of their spouse. They desired to get access to any job through CRPF, though their academic and professional qualification is not enough.   Female CRPF personnel They felt more mental ease, when they are sure that there kids are safe, especially when they had to move outside. They felt a need for posting that allows them to bring their families to stay with them and help with child care. FWC at GC Regular participants in FWC activities-sense of satisfaction . Personnel deployed at GC FWC are generally manned by CRPF personnel. Hence ‘empowerment’ drives focused on women/ spouses seem to be lacking.

45. 46 Conclusion: Objective of activities of CWA is to enhance standard of living and level awareness of families. Problems of continued stay of personnel staying away from families . Based on the findings, we infer the existence of expectation of security of the family from the organization. The CWA/ FWC activities are oriented more towards building a sense of community and a feeling of staying occupied/ productive, rather than at skilling women to increase their knowledge and confidence. It seems that activities undertaken by the CWA are not effective enough to empower the ladies of CRPF families. The limited education of spouses: A barrier in developing sense of independence for day to day issues.

46. 47 Suggestions and Way Forward Re-analysis need to be done as how of FWC activities for may contribute more to the objective of ‘domestic empowerment’. CRPF may use to modify existing policies on work activates at CWA. Developing digital system for sharing information among families. Plan for digital sharing of information with families staying inside as well as outside GC. Emphasis on development of a long-term perspective. of career rather than temporary/short-term job, which may increase spouse’ level of confidence regarding control over life. Further, to accelerate things, Consideration of engaging specialised organisations for CWA activities. may collaborate with specialized organizations or NGOs to train and educate women.

47. EOP conditions 48 For determining the compensation payable for death or disability under circumstances, the cases are categorized in five distinct categories as under: Category ‘A’ : Death or disability due to natural causes not attributable to Govt service. Examples would be chronic ailments lie heart and renal diseases, prolonged illness, accidents while not on duty, etc. Category ‘B’ : Death or disability due to causes while are accepted as attributable to or aggravated by Govt service. Diseases contracted because of continued exposure to a hostile work environment, subjected to extreme weather conditions or occupational hazards resulting in death or disability would be examples. Category ‘C’ : Death or disability due to accident in the performance of duties. Some examples are accidents while travelling on duty in Govt’s vehicles or public transport, a journey on duty is performed by service aircraft, mishaps at sea, electrocution while on duty, etc.

48. LPA conditions 49 Category ‘D’ : Death or disability, attributable to acts of violence by terrorists, antisocial elements, etc., whether in their performance of duties or otherwise. Apart from cases of death or injury sustained by personnel of the Central Police Organizations while employed in aid of the civil administration in quelling agitation, riots or revolt by demonstrators, other public servants including police personnel, etc., bomb blasts in public places or transport, indiscriminate shooting incidents in public, etc., would be covered under this category. Category ‘E’ : Death or disability arising as a result of (a) attack by or during action against extremists, antisocial elements, etc. and (b) enemy action in international war or border skirmishes and warlike situations, including cases which are attributable to ( i ) extremists acts, exploding mines, etc., while on way to an operational area (ii) kidnapping by extremists; and (iii) battle inoculation as part of training exercises with live ammunition.

49. Additional Guidelines/ Instructions 50 The following guidelines are also issued for implementation by all Formations to deal the issues of Suicides and Fratricides in the force: Not to issue Arms/ Ammunition to personnel who are off duty Easy availability of weapons, with men, provide easy opportunity for use during suicide or fratricide incidents.

50. 51 Except personnel on morcha duty, weapons of all personnel be kept in different line area(barracks), secured in rifle rack, under lock and key arrangements; keys to be available with a personnel present in the same line area. Magazines may continue to be kept with personnel. This arrangement to remain functional in all operational areas. The rifle, at sentry morcha , can remain the same and personnel just have to arrive, make their entries in the duty register and perform sentry morcha duties.

51. 52 In any contingency It will hardly take less than 2 minutes to draw weapons from line area and personnel can be ready with their weapons for use. Regular practice may be conducted, from time to time, whereby timing of drawal of weapons in line area can be reduced within 1 minute. The above instructions are also in sync with previous instructions issued by DD (Ops) Dte vide Signal No I.X.10/98, dt 23 Jul 98.

52. Conduct of supervisory staff 53 On many occasions supervisory staff (CHM, BHM, CQMH, BQMH, Coy Writer, Mess NCO, SI(A), Coy Cdr) are often target of personnel committing fratricide. Their conduct need to be fair, impartial, sensitive to human nature, tough, disciplined as well as acting as fatherly figure to men working under their command. Strict NO to regionalism, groupism, partial distribution of duties, not taking favour from subordinates, etc.

53. Vindictive Behaviour 54 Men resort to fratricide mostly for vindictive conduct against personnel when they feel cornered. Personnel should avoid making personal remarks against somebody’s family members, etc. There should be no abetment/instigation by other personnel in misguiding personnel in taking the extreme step of fratricide. Men be encouraged and counselled to pardon their fellow personnel. Instead, issues causing concern, be told to the other personnel frankly, firmly, politely and with due sensitivity and diligence. Some other Coy personnel can be involved during such reconciliation. Confidentiality of such discussion be maintained.

54. How to rein in Personnel firing at Colleagues 55 Experience has shown that own personnel hardly take steps to stop personnel from committing fratricide and further damage, and, in the process, many precious lives are lost, which could be prevented had timely action taken by other personnel. Since the personnel has become a rogue and threat to the lives of other personnel, he need to be stopped from further killing of own personnel. Appropriate force need to be used, and if required, he should be fired at, preferably below the waist height while exercising right of private defence of body and property, as provided under Sec 96 and 97 of IPC.

55. How to rein in Personnel firing at Colleagues 56 The above directive should be part of camp Standing Order so that required action can be taken by personnel to stop such erring personnel from committing further loss of life. Failure to do so should attract disciplinary proceedings.

56. Issue of liquor during day time and consumption thereof 57 Most of the fratricide incidents have resulted after personnel had consumed liquor. Liquor be distributed outside ORs Mess, during day time and under supervision of an SO. Liquor distributed should be consumed then and there itself. Consumption of liquor in barracks or at other places will attract strict disciplinary action. No private cooking be allowed by any personnel.

57. Conduct of Personnel and Increasing Recreational activities 58 Conducting awareness campaign in the unit on regular basis. Personnel should refrain from passing derogatory comments regarding someone’s family members, caste, region or religion. Cultural activities like cultural programmes, watching comedy/dance/song shows, playing sports, etc should regularly be conducted in Coys .

58. Training Personnel during Basic and all In service Courses 59 The issue of Suicides and Fratricides should form part of training syllabi of all Basic and In Service courses of Officers, SOs and ORs. Adequate emphasis need to be given in making personnel aware of the issues besides improving their mental conditioning and developing fighter mindset.

59. Motivational Quotes/Messages 60 (To be displayed at various places in every Coys and Bn HQ including Line area, ORs Mess, Recreation Room, etc) Motivational quotes/messages when seen continuously by men is likely to improve their thinking process, know and understand various de-merits of resorting to Suicides and Fratricides. The following are important quotes/messages which may prove beneficial in fight against the menace of Suicides and Fratricides:

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