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 career progression while simplifying the process of granting ex-gratia compensation to the families of personnel reported missing at sea during duty.
The reforms were unveiled 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.
Commending the Indian Coast Guard for its distinguished service over the past five decades, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that the reforms would strengthen the morale and operational effectiveness of the force as it prepares to celebrate its Swarnim Jayanti (Golden Jubilee) in 2027. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to developing the Coast Guard into a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force.
Gender-neutral induction and career progression
One of the key reforms introduces a gender-neutral policy for the induction of officers into the Indian Coast Guard. Under the new framework, women candidates will now be eligible for both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with their male counterparts. At the same time, Short Service Appointments have also been opened to male candidates.
The policy also ensures equal opportunities for career advancement from the initial training stage. Existing women officers holding Permanent Appointments will be eligible for promotion to higher ranks subject to prescribed eligibility conditions. Women officers currently serving under Short Service Appointments will also have the option to convert their service to Permanent Appointments, subject to fulfilling the stipulated criteria.
According to the government, the move reflects its commitment to promoting women’s participation and ensuring equal opportunities in India’s maritime security framework.
Faster ex-gratia relief for families
The second reform seeks to simplify administrative procedures for the families of Coast Guard personnel who go missing at sea while performing official duties.
Under the new policy, the competent authority will be empowered to declare an Indian Coast Guard personnel reported missing at sea during duty as ‘presumed dead’ for the purpose of granting ex-gratia compensation. The reform is expected to significantly expedite the release of ex-gratia payments and terminal benefits to the next of kin.
The government said the measure is aimed at reducing procedural delays and ensuring timely financial assistance to families during periods of emotional distress.
