Mental Health of Military Personnel

Classification of CAPF

CAPF

Description

Border Guarding Forces

Assam Rifles

• It is the oldest Central Para Military Force in India.
• Primary role- To guard Indo-Myanmar border.

Border Security Force

• It is the world’s largest border guarding force.
• Mandate- To guard the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh border.

Indo Tibetan Border Police

• Primary role- To patrol India-China border from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu La in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is the first responder for natural disasters in the Himalayas.

Sashastra Seema Bal

• Mandate- To guard the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders.
• The sole objective is to achieve ‘Total security preparedness’ in the remote border areas for performing a ‘stay-behind’ role in the event of a war.

Forces of internal security

Central Industrial Security Force

• It is the largest industrial security force in the world.
• It is responsible for providing security and protection to various industrial establishments, government infrastructure projects, and other important installations in India.

Central Reserve Police Force

• It is the largest of the Central Armed Police Forces units.
• Rapid Action Force is an anti-riot force trained to respond to sectarian violence.
• The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), it is a strong anti-Naxalite and counter insurgency force.

Special Task Force

National Security Guard (NSG)

• It is a counter-terrorism unit which is commonly known as Black Cats.
• It was founded in 1984 under the National Security Guard Act, 1986.

Steps taken be the government to tackle the mental health of military personnel

• Ministry of Defence- It has outlined various initiatives aimed at fostering a positive and conducive environment for the Armed Forces, with a particular focus on mental health and overall well-being.
• Access to mental health- The measures include the establishment of Military Psychiatry Treatment Centres in Mumbai and the creation of Mental Health Centres in multiple locations such as Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Port Blair, Goa, and Karwar.
• Routine activities- Yoga and meditation have been introduced.
• Mental health helpline- Both the Army and Airforce have set up a Mansik Sahayata (Mental Health) Helpline for professional counseling.
• Improved living conditions- The government has taken steps to improve the quality of ration and uniforms, particularly in conflict zones.
• Housing projects- They have been initiated to accommodate more personnel with their families, and defense-aided schools are being constructed to provide quality education at reduced costs for the children of armed forces members.
• Ministry of Home Affairs- In addressing mental health concerns within CAPF, the ministry has implemented measures such as transparent transfer policies, an enhanced promotion and financial benefit system, and improved leave policies.
• Regular interaction- It is done with senior officers to address grievances, ensuring adequate rest and relief, especially in regulating duty hours, and enhancing living conditions by providing recreational, entertainment, sports, and communication facilities.