It is a tough job-managing security, manning the sensitive points in the task, and keeping up to the high standards of health, fitness and ability on the job.
June 27, 2007 (Press Release) --
It is a tough job-managing security, manning the sensitive points in the task, and keeping up to the high standards of health, fitness and ability on the job, living away from family and friends in potentially dangerous areas for the men who don olive greens or khakis.
Admittedly a lot more needs to be done, by the agencies involved in welfare of defence and paramilitary forces for their health and family requirements so that chronic problem areas are not allowed to become permanent.
According to statistics filed in parliament during the budget session, over 350 soldiers, sailors and airmen die in road accidents every year. Another 250 or so die battling terrorists. In addition, stress related deaths in the from of suicides and fragging- killing of fellow offices or soldiers claim about 120 lives annually.
And now, the ministry admits the armed forces are reeling under yet another attack without going to war. Latest figures show that over 500 armed forces personnel are being discharged from service every year due to mental disorders and alcohol dependency.
Admitting to the problem in Lok Sabha, defence minister AK Antony had said that in 2006 alone, 508 personnel from army, 35 from IAF and 15 from Navy were "boarded out" due to mental disorders. The minister identified the cases as those of psychosis, neurosis, personality disorders, depression and last but not the least alcohol dependence syndrome. And, to make matters worse, the numbers have been steadily increasing. The army had discharged 350 soldiers due to these reasons in 2004, figure rose to 405 in 2005 and last year it year it jumped to 508.
According to senior officials, if Form 10 which calls for a psychological investigation of a soldier was issued by a commanding officer on rare occasions- only in violent cases, it is becoming frequent now. The hard lives in 1.13 million strong army, with soldiers posted in either remote areas or enmeshed relentless counter-insurgency operations, is exacting a heavy toll on the mental health of soldiers. This often leads to soldiers often training their guns on themselves or shooting dead their colleagues in extreme cases, indicating that there is need for psycho-care.
Abuse of alcohol which is within easy reach and at subsidized rates through central supply depot canteens, has been identified as a triggering factor in several incidents by internal reports of the armed forces. Excessive use of liquor in lonely places by both officers and jawans, who in any case face a lot of stress and strain, has been found to be creating psychological problems.
Prolonged counter- insurgency operations, with little time for rest and recreation or recuperation, are exacting a heavy toll on the physical endurance and mental health of soldiers paltry salaries, lack of basic amenities, problem of their families back home, in effective leadership and the constant fear of being accused of human rights violations add up to the Molotov cocktail of negativity.
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Admittedly a lot more needs to be done, by the agencies involved in welfare of defence and paramilitary forces for their health and family requirements so that chronic problem areas are not allowed to become permanent.
According to statistics filed in parliament during the budget session, over 350 soldiers, sailors and airmen die in road accidents every year. Another 250 or so die battling terrorists. In addition, stress related deaths in the from of suicides and fragging- killing of fellow offices or soldiers claim about 120 lives annually.
And now, the ministry admits the armed forces are reeling under yet another attack without going to war. Latest figures show that over 500 armed forces personnel are being discharged from service every year due to mental disorders and alcohol dependency.
Admitting to the problem in Lok Sabha, defence minister AK Antony had said that in 2006 alone, 508 personnel from army, 35 from IAF and 15 from Navy were "boarded out" due to mental disorders. The minister identified the cases as those of psychosis, neurosis, personality disorders, depression and last but not the least alcohol dependence syndrome. And, to make matters worse, the numbers have been steadily increasing. The army had discharged 350 soldiers due to these reasons in 2004, figure rose to 405 in 2005 and last year it year it jumped to 508.
According to senior officials, if Form 10 which calls for a psychological investigation of a soldier was issued by a commanding officer on rare occasions- only in violent cases, it is becoming frequent now. The hard lives in 1.13 million strong army, with soldiers posted in either remote areas or enmeshed relentless counter-insurgency operations, is exacting a heavy toll on the mental health of soldiers. This often leads to soldiers often training their guns on themselves or shooting dead their colleagues in extreme cases, indicating that there is need for psycho-care.
Abuse of alcohol which is within easy reach and at subsidized rates through central supply depot canteens, has been identified as a triggering factor in several incidents by internal reports of the armed forces. Excessive use of liquor in lonely places by both officers and jawans, who in any case face a lot of stress and strain, has been found to be creating psychological problems.
Prolonged counter- insurgency operations, with little time for rest and recreation or recuperation, are exacting a heavy toll on the physical endurance and mental health of soldiers paltry salaries, lack of basic amenities, problem of their families back home, in effective leadership and the constant fear of being accused of human rights violations add up to the Molotov cocktail of negativity.
The l
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