Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced two key policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard, aimed at promoting gender equality and speeding up compensation for families of missing personnel. The first reform ensures that women candidates will now join the Coast Guard on equal footing with their male counterparts, removing previous barriers in officer induction. The second reform simplifies the process of granting ex-gratia compensation to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty, ensuring faster financial support in such cases. The changes are intended to strengthen morale and operational effectiveness within the force. The reforms were unveiled by Singh in a recent announcement, though no specific date or location was provided. Both reforms address longstanding issues: gender parity in a traditionally male-dominated service, and bureaucratic delays in compensating families of those lost at sea. The Indian Coast Guard, under the Ministry of Defence, is responsible for maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection in India's vast coastal waters. By inducting women officers on equal terms, the service aligns with broader Indian military reforms that have gradually opened combat roles to women. The streamlined compensation process is expected to relieve financial distress for families awaiting news of missing personnel. These reforms mark a significant step in modernizing the Coast Guard's policies and practices.