Rajnath Singh Unveils Major Reforms for Coast Guard Personnel
New policies introduce gender-neutral officer induction and faster ex-gratia benefits for families of personnel missing at sea
- Rajnath Singh announces two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard.
- Women to get equal opportunities in permanent and short service appointments.
- Families of personnel missing at sea to receive faster ex-gratia benefits.
- Reforms aimed at strengthening morale ahead of ICG’s Golden Jubilee in 2027.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th July: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), introducing a gender-neutral framework for officer induction and streamlining the process of granting ex-gratia benefits to families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.
The reforms were announced at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani, and other senior officials.
Congratulating the Coast Guard for its service over the past five decades, Rajnath Singh said the reforms would boost the morale and operational efficiency of the force as it prepares to celebrate its Swarnim Jayanti (Golden Jubilee) in 2027. He reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to building a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force.
Under the first policy, the government has introduced a gender-neutral officer induction system, allowing women to be inducted into both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with male officers. At the same time, SSA has also been opened to male candidates, creating a common framework for recruitment.
The policy also ensures equal opportunities for career progression from the training stage. Existing women officers holding Permanent Appointments will be eligible for promotion to higher ranks subject to meeting prescribed conditions, while serving women officers on Short Service Appointments will have the option to convert to Permanent Appointments after fulfilling eligibility requirements.
The second reform simplifies procedures for families of Coast Guard personnel who go missing at sea while on duty. The new policy authorises the declaration of such personnel as “presumed dead” for the purpose of granting ex-gratia compensation and terminal benefits.
The Defence Ministry said the measure would significantly reduce administrative delays and ensure that the next of kin receive financial assistance and other benefits more quickly during difficult circumstances.
The Ministry described both reforms as important steps towards promoting Nari Shakti, ensuring equal opportunities within the Coast Guard and providing timely support to the families of personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.
