Rajnath Singh unveils Coast Guard reforms to boost gender equality

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has unveiled two significant policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The first introduces a gender-neutral framework for officer induction and career progression, allowing women equal opportunities in Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Permanent Appointment (PA) streams, and enabling existing women officers to convert or be promoted. This reform aims to promote 'Nari Shakti' and ensure equal opportunities. The second reform simplifies the process of granting ex-gratia compensation to families of ICG personnel reported missing at sea, allowing them to be declared 'presumed dead' for faster financial relief and terminal benefits, thereby reducing administrative delays.