COAST GUARD DAY 2017: PRESS BRIEF

The Indian Coast Guard is celebrating its 40^th Anniversary on               01 Feb 17. From a modest beginning of just 7 ships in 1978, the service has grown into a formidable force with 42 stations and 126 ships, 62 aircraft in its inventory. By the turn of present decade, the Coast Guard is likely to have an inventory of 150 ships and 100 aircraft. 

As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the Indian Coast Guard has played a significant role in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing the regulations within the Maritime Zones of India. True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”, the service has to its credit saving of 7,539 lives and apprehending 13,124 offenders since inception. Keeping a hawk’s vigil on the Indian coasts, the service has provided a robust coastal security mechanism, which has led to seizure of contraband worth around Rs.1130 crores since inception and about Rs. 600 crores in the last two years.

In consonance with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister on adoption of collaborative approach towards decision making, a first of its kind                 ‘Sub ordinate officer’s conclave’ was organized wherein the ideas and thought process of the middle level management was amalgamated in the growth plan of the service.  Further with an aim to empower women, the ICG has employed Women Officers in combat roles on both Surface platforms as well as on air assets. 

The Hon’ble President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister in their message congratulated the Indian Coast Guard on completion of 40 glorious years of service to the nation and appreciated the pivotal role played by the service in ensuring the national interests in the Maritime Zones.

The traditional CG Reception ceremony held on the Coast Guard Day was graced by the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other armed forces also graced the occasion.