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Defence Minister Unveils Historic Policy Reforms for Indian Coast Guard

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance

DefenceGovernanceWomen Empowerment

Why in news

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on July 28, 2026. These reforms aim to promote gender equality in recruitment and service conditions, and streamline ex-gratia payments for families of personnel missing at sea.

Background

The Indian Coast Guard, established in 1977, is a maritime security force under the Ministry of Defence. It is approaching its Golden Jubilee in 2027. The reforms address long-standing issues of gender parity and administrative delays in compensating families of personnel lost at sea.

Key facts

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  1. Two policy reforms were announced: gender-neutral recruitment and career progression, and simplified ex-gratia for personnel missing at sea.

  2. Gender-neutral framework allows women officers to join Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with men.

  3. SSA option is now open to male candidates as well.

  4. Existing women PA officers will be considered for promotion to higher ranks subject to eligibility.

  5. Current women SSA officers can opt to convert their service to PA under specified conditions.

  6. Personnel missing at sea while on duty will be 'presumed dead' for ex-gratia payment, simplifying and speeding up compensation to families.

  7. The reforms aim to boost morale and operational capability as ICG approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2027.

  8. The event was held at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and ICG DG Paramesh Shivamani.

Prelims pointers

  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG) established in 1977 under Ministry of Defence.
  • ICG Golden Jubilee in 2027.
  • Gender-neutral recruitment: SSA and PA for women officers.
  • Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA).
  • Ex-gratia payment for personnel missing at sea: 'presumed dead' provision.
  • Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh.
  • ICG Director General: Paramesh Shivamani.
  • Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi.

Mains angles

  • Discuss the significance of gender-neutral policies in the Indian Coast Guard for women empowerment and national security.
  • Analyze the administrative and welfare reforms in the ICG and their impact on morale and operational efficiency.
  • Examine the role of the Indian Coast Guard in maritime security and the need for modernizing its personnel policies.
Defence Minister Unveils Historic Policy Reforms for Indian Coast Guard — UPSC Governance · in5points