Shocking: 1 CRPF soldier ends life every 3 days due to poor working conditions, stress levels

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, March 9, 2015: India is losing more paramilitary personnel to poor working conditions and high stress levels rather than the enemy’s bullets.

 

Shocking statistics reveal that one paramilitary troop commits suicide every three days. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel fighting Maoists in the jungles face worse conditions.

Even diseases like heart attacks, malaria and HIV are taking its toll on the forces. The three ailments have claimed the lives of 1,131 personnel in the last five years while the number of personnel killed by Maoists is only 323.

CRPF, the country’s largest paramilitary force with over three lakh personnel, has been stressed by fights in hostile conditions. Be it fighting Naxals in jungles, serving in tough terrains in the north east or battling terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the conditions seem to have taken a toll on the personnel with 370 suicides between 2012 and 2014 in all paramilitary forces.

The CRPF also faces the worst attrition rate among paramilitary forces. While other forces have seen a marginal decline in the attrition rates, CRPF has seen a steep rise. On an average, the force saw almost 20 exits per day in 2014. Over 6,000 personnel left the force prematurely in 2014 while the number stood at 4,186 in 2013.

Lack of basic amenities like toilets also plagues the force in Maoist-hit jungles. A recent report said the poor conditions for personnel was forcing early exits from the force. 

Courtesy: Indiatoday