170 soldiers committed suicide in 19 months
By IANSWednesday, August 18, 2010
NEW DELHI - Some 170 armed forces personnel have committed suicide in the last 19 months, parliament was told Wednesday.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Rajya Sabha that “111 suicide cases by armed forces personnel were reported in 2009 while till July this year, 59 such case have been reported”.
He said a number of steps were being taken to reduce the stress on armed forces personnel.
These, he said, include counselling on stress management by trained and qualified psychiatrists and utilisation of religious teachers to counsel troops.
“Stress related issues are being addressed by the commanders through group discussions, workshops, counselling sessions and stress management courses,” he said, adding leave policy has also been “liberalised”.
“All personnel returning to unit after leave are interviewed and medically examined by the regimental medical officer. Any stress marker is looked for and motivational talk is rendered,” he said.
