Coast Guard overhaul: Gender-neutral recruitment and faster compensation for missing personnel
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) announced two major policy changes for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG): a gender-neutral framework for officer induction and career progression, and a simplified process for granting ex gratia compensation to families of personnel missing at sea while on duty.
The reforms were unveiled at an event at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi, attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani, and other senior officials.
The Ministry of Defence described the measures as forward-looking, stating they would strengthen the force's morale and operational effectiveness as it prepares for its Swarnim Jayanti (Golden Jubilee) in 2027.
The first policy introduces a comprehensive gender-neutral framework for officer induction. Women can now join through both the Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Permanent Appointment (PA) streams on equal terms with men, while the SSA route is also opened for male candidates. The policy ensures equal opportunities for career progression from the initial training stage. Existing women officers with Permanent Appointments become eligible for promotion to higher ranks, subject to prescribed conditions, and serving women officers under the SSA scheme can convert to Permanent Appointment after meeting eligibility criteria. The Defence Ministry said this reform reflects the government's commitment to promoting Nari Shakti and ensuring equal opportunities within India's maritime security framework.
The second reform addresses financial relief for families of Coast Guard personnel who go missing at sea while on duty. Under the new policy, the competent authority can declare such personnel as 'presumed dead' solely for 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.
