730 Security personnel suicides in the last 5 Years: Union Minister Nityanand Rai

New Delhi, December 4: In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai revealed that from 2020 to 2024, there have been 730 suicides among personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), National Security Guard (NSG), and Assam Rifles (AR). Additionally, the Minister shared that over the same period, there have been 47,891 voluntary retirements and 7,664 resignations within these forces.

Rai further explained that the typical working hours for CAPF personnel are structured as 8-hour shifts, though this can vary based on operational requirements. To ensure personnel receive adequate rest, the structure includes provisions for leave and training reserves. The government has also implemented measures to establish a transparent, fair, and rational leave policy, regulating duty hours to ensure proper rest.

The Minister emphasized that improving the working conditions and welfare of the CAPFs, NSG, and AR is an ongoing priority. Steps have been taken to enhance amenities and provide rest periods, including posting personnel to peaceful stations where feasible.

In other developments in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house passed the Boilers Bill, 2024. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also addressed the recent state of India-China relations, acknowledging that while progress had been made in many areas, recent events had negatively impacted the relationship. He reiterated the importance of peace along the border for the development of bilateral ties, with discussions on de-escalation and managing border activities being prioritized. Jaishankar stressed that maintaining peace in border areas is crucial for fostering better relations, and the conclusion of the disengagement phase allows for a more balanced approach to other aspects of India-China engagement, with national security remaining paramount.

Parliament proceedings have been disrupted since the start of the Winter Session, due to protests by opposition parties regarding the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal.