Raksha Mantri Announces Gender-Neutral Induction and Ex-Gratia Reforms in Indian Coast Guard

Key Facts

• Date of Announcement: 28 July 2026
• Venue: Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi
• Announced by: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh
• Two main policy reforms announced: gender-neutral induction for officers and simplified ex-gratia procedures for families of personnel missing at sea
• Gender-Neutral Induction: Women candidates are now eligible for both Short Service and Permanent Appointments on the same terms as male candidates, including equal career progression opportunities from initial training
• Women officers currently on Short Service Appointments may convert to Permanent Appointment subject to prescribed conditions
• Ex-Gratia Support: Simplified administrative procedures for providing financial relief to families of Coast Guard personnel reported missing at sea while on duty
• Indian Coast Guard was established in 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978
• The Indian Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence
• Key officials present at the announcement: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani

Background & Context

The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime armed force established in 1977 and functions under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. Its principal roles include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, marine environment protection, and providing assistance to the Indian Navy during wartime.

Prior to these reforms, women officers were predominantly inducted through Short Service Appointments with limited career progression opportunities compared to their male counterparts. The introduction of a gender-neutral induction policy grants women candidates equality in recruitment and career advancement, reflecting broader defence sector initiatives to promote inclusivity and gender equality within armed forces.

Ex-gratia payments or support refer to discretionary financial assistance provided by the government to families of personnel who die or go missing while serving. Simplifying these procedures enhances welfare support for Coast Guard personnel families facing the hardships of losing loved ones during maritime duty.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This announcement is a notable recent reform in India's maritime security and defence administration, highlighting efforts towards gender equality and improved welfare frameworks in the armed forces. It is relevant for exams covering current affairs, defence services, maritime security, and policy reforms led by the Ministry of Defence.

Key elements such as the Indian Coast Guard's establishment, legal framework, functions, recent policy reforms, and leading personalities including Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh feature prominently in competitive exam syllabi and practice questions.

Points to Remember

• Indian Coast Guard founded in 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Functions under the Ministry of Defence and conducts maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue, environmental protection, and naval assistance.
• Policy reforms announced on 28 July 2026 introducing gender-neutral induction for officers: women can now join both Short Service and Permanent Appointments with equal career opportunities.
• Women officers on Short Service Appointments may apply for Permanent Appointment per defined conditions.
• Simplified procedures for ex-gratia payments provide streamlined financial relief for families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.
• Announcement took place at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi, in presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General Paramesh Sivamani.