Aiming to bring down the stress level of police personnel in the State, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanswami on Thursday inaugurated a comprehensive wellness programme called the ‘Police well-being training’. The programme is being rolled out with the assistance of experts from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru.
Mr. Palaniswami said it was conceptualised by the government to ensure the mental health of the police personnel and the welfare of their families. The training will be for both police personnel and their families. “Such programmes have not been conducted so far even in the defence services or paramilitary forces in the country. From top-level officers to the last-rung constable, everyone will be trained. As many as 358 master trainers have been chosen from all districts and they will train others,’ said Mr. Palaniswami. The master trainers, who will be given diploma certificates, will impart training to others for two years. A separate programme will be conducted for those who have deep depression. Ccounselling sessions will be held for personnel on how to run their families peacefully.
The Chief Minister said the government had sanctioned ₹10 crore for the purpose. Over 1.2 lakh police personnel and 3.6 lakh family members will benefit from the programme.
Earlier, Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran and Nimhans director B.N. Gangadhar signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. Prof. Gangadhar told The Hindu: “What we intend to do is train some people at Nimhans and then monitor them. These people will bring in awareness about safeguarding the health and well-being of police personnel.” K. Sekar, Registrar of Nimhans, said teams from the organisation identified people who have degrees in psychology or in related disciplines.
