Rising Work Pressure in 7 Defence PSUs Linked to Deaths, Suicides; AIDEF Seeks Independent Probe

The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) has raised serious concerns over increasing cases of deaths, suicides and voluntary retirements in 7 Defence PSUs , attributing them to excessive work pressure, unsafe working conditions and mental stress following corporatisation. In a representation to the Department of Defence Production, AIDEF highlighted multiple incidents, including fatal accidents in factories like Bhandara, Khamaria and Dehuroad, and a worrying trend of cardiac deaths and suicides among employees—particularly in the 33–55 age group. The federation also pointed to harsh production targets, reduced labour estimates and extended working hours, including Sundays, as key contributors to the crisis.

The situation has been further aggravated by the lack of adequate employee welfare measures, including denial of compensation in certain cases and a five-year ban on compassionate appointments, which has created insecurity among workers about their families’ future. AIDEF has demanded a minimum compensation of ₹2 crore for accidental deaths and called for the immediate lifting of the compassionate appointment ban. Emphasising the urgency of the issue, the federation has urged the government to constitute an independent inquiry committee, with worker representation, to examine working conditions and recommend corrective measures.

The letter written by the AIDEF to Secretary (Defence Production) is reproduced below for the benefit of the viewers of www.indianpsu.com –