By Bl Mumbai Bureau

Copyright thehindubusinessline

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Mpower, a mental health initiative from the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), have formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) extending its programme for another three years.

The extension follows successful implementation of Project Mann, a mental health initiative jointly undertaken by CISF and Mpower, a note on the development said. The initial MoU for Project Mann between CISF and Mpower was signed in November 2024, for a one-year term.

75,000 personnel & families benefited

“During the last nearly one year over 75,000 CISF personnel and their families have benefited from the professional services. Suicide rates within CISF have declined below the national average in 2024 and 2025,” the note said.

At present, services are provided by 23 Mpower counsellors/clinical psychologists across 13 CISF Sectors. With the extension, the number of locations will increase to 30, and services will be expanded to additional locations, including Patna, Ahmedabad, Prayagraj, Bhopal/Indore, Jammu, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Cochin, it added.

Project Mann reduces stigma, boosts resilience

Outlining the benefits of Project Mann, the note said, it included reducing stigma around mental health, encouraging early help-seeking behaviour, supporting emotional resilience and coping strategies, ensuring continuity of care even in remote or high-security locations and helping reduce absenteeism, burnout and long-term psychological issues.

RS Bhatti, DG CISF, said in the statement that the continued partnership aims “to ensure that our force remains mentally resilient, emotionally strong, and fully prepared for meeting the challenges of national security.” Neerja Birla, Chairperson and Founder Mpower, ABET said, the partnership with CISF under Project Mann had been “deeply impactful”.

Published on September 11, 2025