Raksha Mantri unveils landmark policy reforms for ICG personnel & - 28th July 2026 - Ministry of Defence - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Defence
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28th July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary On July 28, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveiled two policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to enhance gender parity and streamline administrative relief. The reforms introduce gender-neutral induction and career progression while accelerating ex-gratia benefits for the families of personnel missing at sea. These measures are designed to strengthen the force’s operational efficacy as it approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2027.
Key Points / Main Content
Gender-Neutral Induction and Career Progression
- Inclusive Induction: Women candidates are now eligible for both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with male counterparts.
- Male SSA: Short Service Appointments have been opened for male candidates.
- Equal Progression: The policy ensures equal career advancement opportunities starting from the initial training phase.
- Promotions and Conversions: Existing women officers in Permanent Appointments are eligible for promotion to higher positions, while those in SSA have the option to convert to PA, subject to eligibility and stipulated conditions.
Streamlined Ex-Gratia Procedures
- Presumed Dead Status: Authorities are now empowered to declare personnel missing at sea while on duty as ‘presumed dead’ specifically for the purpose of granting ex-gratia.
- Faster Processing: The reform accelerates the delivery of ex-gratia compensation and terminal benefits to the Next of Kin (NoK).
- Administrative Ease: The measure aims to eliminate prolonged administrative delays to support families during periods of trauma.
Impact Analysis
Women Officers and Candidates Impact They receive equal access to permanent commissions, training, and promotion tracks, facilitating long-term career growth within the ICG. Action Required Serving SSA women officers must fulfill stipulated conditions if they choose to apply for conversion to Permanent Appointments.
Next of Kin (NoK) of Missing Personnel Impact Families of personnel missing at sea are protected from administrative delays, ensuring quicker access to financial compensation and terminal benefits. Action Required NoK will need to coordinate with the relevant authorities to utilize the accelerated process for benefit claims.
Male Candidates Impact New entry opportunities are available through the opening of Short Service Appointments to male applicants. Action Required Prospective male candidates may now apply for SSA roles within the ICG framework.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Administration Impact The organization transitions into a more modern, gender-neutral maritime force with improved morale and streamlined welfare procedures. Action Required The administration must implement the new framework for recruitment, promotion eligibility, and the processing of 'presumed dead' declarations.