NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled two key policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) aimed at promoting gender parity in the induction and service conditions of officers, and streamlining administrative procedures for granting ex gratia to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.The first policy directive establishes a comprehensive, women-centric approach by ushering in a gender-neutral framework for the induction of officers into the ICG. The highlights of the policy include induction of women candidates into both short service appointments (SSA) and permanent appointments on a par with their male counterparts. The SSA has also been opened for male candidates.The policy ensures equal opportunities for career progression, commencing right from the ab-initio training phase.The existing PA women officers shall also be considered for promotion to higher positions subject to fulfilment of eligibility conditions. The existing serving women officers on SSA will also be provided an option to convert their service to a PA, subject to the fulfilment of stipulated conditions.This progressive step reflects the government’s commitment to ‘Nari Shakti’ and equal opportunity in the nation’s maritime security apparatus.The second policy reform brings relief and administrative ease to the next of kin of the personnel who unfortunately go missing at sea in the line of duty. The policy highlights include the authority to declare an ICG personnel missing at sea while on duty as ‘presumed dead’ for the purpose of ex-gratia.The reform significantly eases and accelerates the process for the grant of ex gratia compensation and terminal benefits to the next of kin.This measure ensures that the families of brave personnel are not subjected to prolonged administrative delays during times of mental trauma.Lauding the ICG for its exemplary service, Rajnath exuded confidence that these forward-looking policies will further strengthen the morale and operational efficacy of the force as it marches toward its golden jubilee in 2027. He reaffirmed Modi-led government’s resolve to strengthen the ICG as a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force.Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DG ICG director general Paramesh Sivamani and other senior officials attended the event in Delhi.
