New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, that suicide is a major killer in the three branches of the Indian Defence Force — the Army, Air Force and Navy. He was speaking in response to a query that was raised in this regard.
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Apprising the Rajya Sabha on the steps taken, Bhamre informed that his government has undertaken measures to foster a good environment among rank holding officers and other non-rank holders. Such measures include better quality in terms of facilities offered to the defence personnel.
Currently, the forces enjoy clothing, food, married accommodation, travel facilities, schooling for kids, recreation and periodic welfare meetings.
The minister said that the government has deployed psychological counsellors and has incorporated yoga and meditation routines as stress management tools.
"The government has worked towards institutionalization of projects named ‘MILAP' and 'SAHYOG' for stress reduction and has established 'Mansik Sahayata Helpline' (helpline for mental wellbeing) in the army and the air force wherein troops can avail professional counselling", he said.
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The formation of Military Psychiatry Treatment Centre at INHS Asvini and establishment of Mental Health Centres in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Port Blair, Goa, and Karwar are among other curative measures taken by the Indian Forces, elaborated the minister.
