Doctors cited domestic matters and work pressure as the primary reasons
Within eight years, 847 officers and personnel from the Indian Army have committed suicide. According to data released by the defence ministry, between 2006 to 2013 army officials from junior commissioned officer (JCO) and of other ranks committed suicide. A senior doctor who worked at Army hospitals said that most of these army personnel were troubled by domestic factors. In a few cases, the personnel were made to join the Army and when they could not fit in, they decided to end their lives. However, cases of suicide have declined from 129 in 2006 — the year when most suicides took place — to 65 in 2013.
These officials were from different ranks including JCO, officer and other ranks. The issue was brought to the forefront when an army recruit hung himself with his turban, on Saturday. According to a retired doctor of the naval hospital, in most cases, domestic reasons such as living away from home and work pressure lead to the young recruits taking this step. The doctor also said that extreme level of pressure, unavailability or shortage of leaves, salary issues, accommodation arrangements and facilities are the major reasons behind stress among soldiers
Most of the army personnel who committed suicide were reportedly in the ‘other rank’ category which was followed by junior commissioned officials. Lowest numbers of suicide cases was reported in the officer’s rank category. According to the released data, between 2006 to 2013, 19 soldiers of officer rank committed suicide, while 39 JCOs had attempted suicide.
However, the only silver lining seems to be the decrease in the suicide numbers. While in 2006 there were 129 suicides, in 2013 the numbers dropped to 65. According to senior officials of the army, in order to boost the morale of the army personnel, counseling seasons were held at many army base camps and regular motivational sessions are still being given to them.
