New Delhi, Feb 19: In a bid to keep soldiers stress free, the Army has launched special relaxation exercises and visits by religious teachers.
Defence minister George Fernandes informed the Rajya Sabha today that these steps were being taken by the medical directorate of army headquarters to keep the soliders stress free and their morale high.
"The Regimental Medical Officers (RMOs) have been instructed to identify and counsel individuals who show any signs of stress", Fernandes said in a written reply.
Commanders at all levels have been apprised about how to identify the stress victims and about action to be taken, he said, adding short training capsules of relaxation exercises and visits by religious teachers are organised.

Denying that the Indian Army was suffering from acute fatigue on account of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and operation Parakram, he said the morale of the Army is "very high".

Regular rotation of units and individuals, regular leave, prompt attention to grievance, congenial working atmosphere and provision of family accommodation are ensured to the maximum extent so that stress related incidences are kept to the minimum, Fernandes said.
Bureau Report