Rajendra Singh became first non-navy officer to head Indian Coast Guard

The Union Government on 25 February 2016 appointed Rajendra Singh as the Director General (DG) of Indian Coast Guard, the country’s coastal protection force. This is the first time an officer who is not from the Indian Navy has been elevated to the position.

The director general's post has so far only been held by officers who were commissioned in the Indian Navy.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet had cleared the name of Singh as the next DG, with the Department of Personnel and Training issuing an order.

Singh will replace Vice Admiral HCS Bisht who has been promoted as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.

About Rajendra Singh

• Rajendra Singh had joined the Coast Guard in 1980.

• He is currently the Additional Director General.

• He was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal (TM) by the President on 15 August 1990.

• In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) on 15 August 2002.

• Having served in various capacities both ashore and afloat, he has track record in the field of Operations, Administration, Human Resources (HR) and Policy and Plans.

• He has commanded every class of ship in service of the Coast Guard.

About Indian Coast Guard

• The Indian Coast Guard protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.

• It was formally established on 18 August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.

• It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

• The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central and State police forces.