Rajnath Singh unveils Coast Guard reforms to boost gender equality

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) unveiled two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), introducing a gender-neutral framework for the induction and career progression of officers and simplifying the process of granting ex gratia compensation to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.

The reforms were announced at an event held at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi, attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani and other senior officials.

The Ministry of Defence described the measures as forward-looking reforms. Mr Singh said they would strengthen the force’s morale and operational effectiveness as it prepares to celebrate its Swarnim Jayanti (Golden Jubilee) in 2027. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a modern, capable and future-ready Coast Guard under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The first policy introduces a comprehensive gender-neutral framework for officer induction. It allows women to be inducted through both Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Permanent Appointment (PA) streams on par with their male counterparts, while opening the SSA entry route for male candidates as well.

Equal opportunities

The policy also ensures equal opportunities for career progression from the initial training stage. Existing women officers holding Permanent Appointments will be eligible for promotion to higher ranks subject to prescribed conditions, while serving women officers under the SSA scheme will have the option to convert to Permanent Appointment after meeting the stipulated eligibility criteria.

The Defence Ministry said the reform reflected the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti and ensuring equal opportunities within India’s maritime security framework.

The second reform aims to provide timely financial relief to the next of kin of Coast Guard personnel who go missing at sea while performing their duties. Under the new policy, the competent authority will be empowered to declare such personnel as “presumed dead” solely for the purpose of processing ex-gratia compensation and terminal benefits.

The Ministry said the revised procedure would significantly reduce administrative delays, enabling bereaved families to receive financial assistance and service benefits without prolonged waiting periods during times of distress.