Top News

New Delhi [भारत]July 28 (ANI): Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled two important policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). These are intended to promote gender equality in the recruitment and service conditions of officers and to streamline the administrative procedures for granting ex gratia to the families of personnel lost at sea while on duty. According to the Defense Ministry, the event was attended by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General (DG) ICG Parmesh Shivmani and other senior officers at Dutta Bhawan-2 in New Delhi.

Appreciating the exemplary service of the ICG over the past five decades, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that these forward-looking policies will further strengthen the morale and operational effectiveness of the force as it moves towards its golden jubilee in 2027. He reaffirmed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's resolve to strengthen the ICG as a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force, a press release said.

policy promoting gender equality

The first policy direction establishes a comprehensive, women-centric approach by introducing a gender-neutral framework for the recruitment of officers in the ICG. Highlights of the policy include giving equal consideration to women candidates in both Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Permanent Appointment (PA) at par with their male counterparts. SSA has also been opened for male candidates.

According to the release, this policy ensures equal opportunities for career progression right from the initial training stage. Existing PA women officers will also be considered for promotion to higher posts subject to fulfillment of eligibility conditions. Existing women officers serving on SSA will also be provided the option to convert their service into PA on fulfilling the prescribed conditions. This progressive step reflects the government's commitment towards 'women power' and equal opportunities in the country's maritime security ecosystem.

Relief for the families of missing personnel

The second policy reform provides relief and administrative convenience to the Next of Kin (NOK) of personnel who unfortunately go missing at sea in the line of duty. Highlights of the policy include the right to declare ICG personnel missing at sea while on duty as 'presumed dead' for the purpose of ex-gratia payment. The release said that this reform significantly simplifies and expedites the process of grant of ex-gratia compensation and terminal benefits to the next of kin.

This measure ensures that families of brave personnel do not have to face lengthy administrative delays at the time of mental trauma. (ANI)