Not getting leave triggering suicidal behaviour among troops: Defence research

New Delhi: Not getting timely leave is one of the factors triggering suicidal behaviour among troops, according to a study conducted by a defence research institute.

The findings of the study conducted by Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) were mentioned in Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, while replying to a question on reasons for suicides by troops.

"DIPR has found in its studies that not getting timely leave was one of the stress factors triggering suicidal behaviour," he said.

A total of 418 armed forces personnel committed suicide in the last four years with a maximum of 335 such cases reported in the Army, as per official data.

Bhamre said posting in difficult areas has not been highlighted as a factor for suicides among the troops.

The minister said Defence Institute of Psychological Research has made certain recommendations to deal

with suicidal behaviour among the armed forces personnel which include rationalising grant of leave, cutting down on workload, increase in

pay and allowances and developing better interpersonal relations between officers and soldiers.

To a question on whether the Chief of Naval Staff has flagged concerns over budgetary allocation to the Navy, Bhamre said the government would ensure that operational preparedness of the force was not compromised due to want of funds.