New Delhi, 28 July (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi. The reforms aim to promote gender equality in recruitment and service conditions for officers while streamlining the administrative process for providing ex gratia compensation to the families of personnel who go missing at sea while on duty.

Announcing the reforms, Rajnath Singh said that, in line with the government's unwavering commitment to Nari Shakti, the Indian Coast Guard has introduced a gender-neutral framework to ensure equal opportunities for women officers in induction, training, and permanent commissioning.

He further said that, to safeguard the welfare of Coast Guard personnel, the government had also simplified and expedited the process for granting ex gratia benefits and other support to the next of kin of personnel who go missing at sea while performing their duties. He added that a grateful nation stands firmly with the families of those who protect India's maritime frontiers.

The Defence Minister commended the Indian Coast Guard for its exceptional service over the past five decades and expressed confidence that these forward-looking policy initiatives would further strengthen the force's morale and operational effectiveness as it approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2027.

Gender-Neutral Entry and Career Progression

The first policy introduces a comprehensive gender-neutral framework for officer recruitment in the Indian Coast Guard, establishing a more inclusive, women-centric approach. One of its key features is the inclusion of women candidates in both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with their male counterparts. The Short Service Appointment option has also been opened to male candidates.

The policy guarantees equal opportunities for career progression from the initial stage of training. Existing women Permanent Appointment officers will also be considered for promotion to higher ranks, subject to fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria. In addition, women officers currently serving under Short Service Appointments will be given the option to convert their service into Permanent Appointments, subject to meeting the stipulated conditions.

The government said the progressive initiative reflects its commitment to empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities within the country's maritime security framework.

Simplified Ex Gratia Process for Personnel Missing at Sea

The second policy reform is designed to provide relief and administrative ease to the families of Coast Guard personnel who unfortunately go missing at sea while on duty.

A key provision of the policy authorises that personnel who go missing at sea in the line of duty may be treated as deemed dead solely for the purpose of granting ex gratia compensation. This reform significantly simplifies and accelerates the process of disbursing ex gratia payments and other terminal benefits to their next of kin.

The measure is intended to ensure that the families of brave Coast Guard personnel do not have to endure prolonged administrative delays while coping with the trauma of losing a loved one in the line of duty.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar