Rotation of deployments in CAPFs and setting the working hours for Jawans: Action Taken Report on recommendation

Rotation of deployments in CAPFs and setting the working hours for Jawans: Action Taken Report on recommendation of Parliamentary Standing Committee

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS
TWO HUNDRED FORTIETH REPORT

ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/ OBSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE TWO HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHTH REPORT ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2022-23) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(Presented to Rajya Sabha on 13th December, 2022)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 13th December, 2022)

Rotation of deployments in CAPFs and setting the working hours for Jawans

Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government have not been accepted by the Committee

Observation/Recommendation

3.6.18 The Committee observes that the major reasons for high attrition in CAPFs is continuous and prolonged deployment of jawans in harsh conditions that keeps them far away from home for longer periods. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the MHA may take up with CAPFs to devise a rotation policy of deployment so that the jawans does not stay in hard and inhospitable areas/terrain for prolonged periods. Efforts should also be made to fix the working hours of the jawans besides Yoga classes and counseling sessions to improve their mental and emotional well being.

(Para 4.3.32 ibid)

Action Taken

3.6.19 To reduce the stress levels of CAPFs/Assam Rifles (AR) personnel, the “Art of Living” courses are being conducted for the personnel. Apart from this, talks by doctors and other specialists are organized from time-to-time to address the personal and psychological concerns of CAPFs personnel, besides organizing meditation and Yoga classes routinely for better stress management.

3.6.20 A Task Force has also been constituted under the chairmanship of Special Secretary (Internal Security), MHA to suggest remedial measures for prevention of suicides & fratricides in CAPFs & AR. The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Task Force include preparation of action plan for mental well-being and acute emotional crises.

Further Recommendation/Observation

3.6.21 The Committee takes note of the initiatives of the Ministry for better stress management of the CAPF/Assam Rifles personnel. However, the Committee’s suggestions addressing the rotation of deployments and setting the working hours for Jawans, have not been addressed by the Ministry. The committee, therefore, reiterates its recommendations given in Para 4.3.32 ibid. The Committee would like to be apprised of the outcome of the Task Force created to identify corrective measures for preventing suicides and fratricides among CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel.