The Indian government has launched a policy reform allowing women to join the Indian Coast Guard in permanent roles, ensuring gender parity in maritime security.
New Delhi, India Jul 28, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: The government on Tuesday unveiled a policy reform for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which will allow the induction of women candidates into permanent appointments "at par with their male counterparts" and enable the posting of women personnel aboard ICG ships in key roles, officials said.
The Defence Ministry also launched another policy reform that allows for declaring an ICG officer missing at sea while on duty as "presumed dead" for the purpose of ex gratia compensation. This move is expected to streamline administrative procedures and provide timely support to the families of personnel who go missing during their service.
At an event held at Kartavya Bhavan-2, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the two significant policy reforms aimed at promoting "gender parity" in the induction and service conditions of officers, as well as streamlining the administrative procedures for granting ex gratia to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty, the Defence Ministry stated. This reform is part of a broader initiative to enhance gender equality within the armed forces and associated services in India.
The first policy directive establishes a comprehensive, women-centric approach by ushering in a gender-neutral framework for the induction of officers into the Coast Guard. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of women's contributions to national security and maritime operations. The inclusion of women in various roles within the ICG is aligned with global trends where women are increasingly taking on critical positions in military and paramilitary forces.
The highlights of the policy include the induction of women candidates into both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) "at par with their male counterparts." This is a significant change from the previous structure where women were predominantly assigned to non-combat roles, mainly in logistics and support functions. By opening up operational and executive positions to women, the government is not only promoting gender equality but also enhancing the overall capabilities of the Coast Guard.
The ministry further stated that the SSA has also been "opened for male candidates," indicating a commitment to inclusivity in recruitment processes across genders. A senior official noted that the policy reform will facilitate the induction of women candidates into Permanent Appointments on equal footing with their male counterparts, as well as allow the posting of women personnel aboard ICG ships in "operational, executive, technical," and other key roles. This is expected to diversify the skill sets within the Coast Guard and improve operational readiness.
Women personnel will now also receive the "same level of training" as their male counterparts, according to officials. This includes access to advanced training programs that were previously limited to male officers. The emphasis on equal training opportunities is crucial for ensuring that all personnel, regardless of gender, are fully equipped to handle the challenges of maritime security and operations.
Previously, women personnel were primarily assigned to "logistics roles," but the new policy aims to bring them to par in every aspect. This shift indicates a significant cultural change within the ICG, recognizing the potential of women to contribute meaningfully in all aspects of maritime operations. The ministry emphasized that this "progressive step reflects the government's commitment to Nari Shakti and equal opportunity in the nation's maritime security apparatus." Nari Shakti, or women's power, is a key theme in the current government's policies aimed at empowering women across various sectors.
The policy ensures "equal opportunities for career progression," starting from the initial training phase. This is a crucial aspect of the reform, as it addresses potential barriers to advancement that women may face in a traditionally male-dominated field. Existing PA women officers will also be "considered for promotion to higher positions subject to fulfilling eligibility conditions," the ministry added. This commitment to career advancement is expected to encourage more women to join and remain in the Coast Guard, thereby enhancing overall retention rates.
Current serving women officers on SSA will also have the option to "convert their service to PA, subject to fulfilling stipulated conditions," the ministry stated. This flexibility is designed to accommodate the varied career aspirations of women within the ICG and provide them with pathways to long-term careers in the organization.
The second policy reform provides relief and administrative ease to the next of kin (NoK) of personnel who go missing at sea while on duty. This reform is particularly significant given the inherent risks associated with maritime operations, where personnel may face dangerous situations. Key highlights of this policy include the authority to declare an ICG personnel missing at sea while on duty as "presumed dead" for the purpose of ex gratia compensation. This change is expected to significantly ease and accelerate the process for granting ex gratia compensation and terminal benefits to the NoK, ensuring that families of brave personnel are not subjected to prolonged administrative delays during times of mental trauma. The emotional and financial stress that families endure in such situations can be overwhelming, and this reform aims to provide timely support in their moments of need.
Lauding the ICG for its exemplary service over the past five decades, Singh expressed confidence that these forward-looking policies will further strengthen the morale and operational efficacy of the force as it approaches its golden jubilee in 2027. The Indian Coast Guard has played a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and ensuring the safety of its waters, and these reforms are seen as a way to enhance its effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's commitment to strengthening the ICG as a modern, capable, and future-ready maritime force. This commitment aligns with the broader national security strategy, which recognizes the importance of maritime security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The government’s focus on modernizing and expanding the capabilities of the ICG is critical as India seeks to assert its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani, and other senior officials were also present at the occasion. Their presence underscores the importance of these policy reforms and their potential impact on the future of the Indian Coast Guard. As the ICG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, these changes represent a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and effective maritime security force, one that is better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
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