Rajnath Singh unveils Coast Guard reforms to boost gender equality
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has introduced gender-neutral recruitment and career progression policies for the Indian Coast Guard. Additionally, the reforms simplify the process for providing financial compensation to the families of personnel who go missing while on duty.
Why it matters
These reforms aim to modernize the Indian Coast Guard's human resources and improve morale by ensuring equal opportunity and better support for service families.
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.
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