New Delhi, Sept 11, 2025:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mpower, a mental health initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), for another three years. The partnership continues Project Mann, a programme aimed at improving the psychological well-being of CISF personnel and their families.
The MoU was signed by Smt. Parveen Sheikh, President of Mpower, and Smt. Sudha Senthil, Vice President, Sanrakshika, in the presence of senior CISF officials.
Launched in November 2024, Project Mann has already benefitted more than 75,000 personnel and family members through professional counseling and mental health services. According to CISF, the initiative has contributed to a decline in suicide rates within the force, which are now below the national average.
Currently, 23 Mpower counselors and clinical psychologists provide services across 13 CISF sectors. Under the extended MoU, the number of counselors will rise to 30, and coverage will be expanded to additional cities, including Patna, Ahmedabad, Prayagraj, Bhopal/Indore, Jammu, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Cochin.
The programme has been credited with reducing stigma around mental health, encouraging early help-seeking behavior, strengthening coping strategies, and lowering absenteeism and burnout.
Speaking on the occasion, CISF Director General R.S. Bhatti said,
“The well-being of our personnel is paramount to maintaining operational excellence. Through our continued partnership with ABET, we aim to ensure that our force remains mentally resilient, emotionally strong, and fully prepared for meeting the challenges of national security.”
Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower, emphasized the importance of scaling up the initiative, stating,
“Over the next three years, we are expanding the programme to ensure CISF personnel and their families have access to care and sustainable support. This is a significant step toward building a culture where mental resilience is recognized as strength.”
The extension of Project Mann marks a significant step in institutionalizing mental health care within India’s largest industrial security force.
