NCW appeals to Govt on lady officers' issue

NCW has taken serious note of the alleged cases of suicide by women in the armed forces and asked the Defence Ministry to look into the issue of stress being faced by lady officers.

The National Commission for Women has taken serious note of the alleged cases of suicide by women in the armed forces and asked the Defence Ministry to look into the issue of stress being faced by lady officers.

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In a letter to Defence Minister AK Antony, NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas has asked the Ministry to look into the issue of women officers facing mental stress which may be the cause behind the increasing number of suicides.

"The Ministry should take steps to help women cope with stressful conditions," she said.

The Commission has also sought a report from the Ministry on what they have done in this regard so far.

The letter comes against the backdrop of officer Megha Razdan allegedly committing suicide at her residence in Jammu.

Every year almost 100 suicides are reported in the army, mostly involving personnel in the lower ranks. There are currently more than 1,000 women officers serving in the army on selection through Short Service Commission, which entails serving for up to 14 years.

Concerned over 100 suicide cases being reported every year in the army since 2001, Antony had recently instituted a high-level committee to probe the issue and suggest remedies.