CISF suicides fall by 40% in 2024, dropping from 25 in 2023 to 15, lowest in 5 years

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has reported a 40% reduction in suicides in 2024, with the number of deaths by suicide falling from 25 in 2023 to 15 in 2024. This marks the lowest suicide rate within the force in the last five years. The suicide rate in CISF decreased from 18.1 per lakh personnel in 2022 to 9.8 per lakh in 2024, bringing it below the national average of 12.4 per lakh, as reported by the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

A key factor behind this reduction is the introduction of Project Mann, a mental health support initiative launched by CISF in October 2021. The project provides 24/7 tele-counselling and personal counselling services to personnel. As of September 2024, over 4,200 CISF jawans have utilized the helpline, which is managed in collaboration with mental health experts. This initiative aims to provide immediate psychological support to personnel, addressing mental health issues before they escalate.

Alongside Project Mann, the CISF implemented a new Human Resource (HR) policy in December 2024 aimed at improving work-life balance for its personnel. The policy includes a choice-based posting system, allowing personnel to have a say in their assignments. This policy is designed to address the high number of grievances related to posting issues, which have been identified as a significant source of stress. The policy affects non-gazetted staff, who make up 98% of the CISF’s total workforce, and also considers the needs of working women, married couples, and personnel nearing retirement.

The CISF has also emphasized direct engagement and proactive monitoring of personnel welfare. Commanding officers are regularly visiting duty posts to engage with personnel and monitor their well-being. These visits, coupled with daily "briefing-debriefing" sessions held by company commanders, enable early identification of any signs of distress. These sessions are structured to quickly address concerns and provide support to personnel, with the aim of preventing mental health issues from escalating into crises.

CISF's approach to suicide prevention is part of a broader effort within the paramilitary forces to tackle the root causes of stress. A task force that studied suicides across CAPFs, Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG) identified long working hours, insufficient leave, poor living conditions, and limited personal time as major stress factors. In response, CISF has worked to improve these conditions, including addressing leave policies and personnel welfare measures. The ongoing mental health support services, coupled with the focus on better work-life balance, are central to the force’s efforts to reduce suicide rates and ensure the well-being of its personnel.