Defence minister Rajnath Singh unveils key policy reforms in Indian Coast Guard

Rajnath Singh unveils key policy reforms in Indian Coast Guard to promote gender parity in induction, streamline ex gratia procedures 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. End of Article