Union Defence Min ister Rajnath Singh on Mon day lauded the growing role of women in the Indi an Coast Guard (ICG), say ing that today women are serving as frontline warri ors — a matter of pride for the nation. He was speaking after commissioning the first indigenously designed and built pollution control ves sel, Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Con trol Vessels (PCVs) being built by Goa Shipyard Lim ited (GSL). Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, the ship has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel. It in cludes the maiden appoint ment of two women officers, who will perform duties shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. “Today, women are not only playing a support role; they are serving the nation as frontline warriors. The two women officers ap pointed to ICGS Samudra Pratap are role models for future generations. The ICG will continue to be a source of opportunity and devel opment for all,” Singh said. The Defence Minister acknowledged the ICG for rapidly moving to wards an inclusive and gender-neutral work en vironment in line with the government’s vision. “I am happy that, keep ing this vision in mind, the Coast Guard has given due attention to women’s em powerment. This is a mat ter of pride for us,” he said.
Singh noted that women officers have been appointed to key responsibilities such as pilot, observer, air traffic con troller and logistics officer. “Not only this, they are being trained for hovercraft op erations and are actively deployed in frontline operations. Today, women are not only in support roles but are also serving as frontline warriors,” he said. Singh observed that the increased participation of wom en in key positions in the armed forces marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive and modern military struc ture. The commissioning of Samudra Pratap marks a major step forward in India’s pursuit of Atmanirbharta in ship building and maritime capability development. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Sec retary Rajesh Kumar Singh and ICG Director General Para mesh Sivamani were present on the occasion. Samudra Pratap, meaning Majesty of the Seas, reflects the Indian Coast Guard’s resolve to ensure safe, secure and clean seas while safeguarding the nation’s maritime inter ests. The ship represents a major advancement in indige nous ship design and construction. The vessel’s primary role is pollution response at sea, supported by state-of-the-art systems including side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skim mers, portable barges and a pollution control laboratory. Based at Kochi under the operational control of the Com mander, Coast Guard Region (West), through Coast Guard District Headquarters No 4 (Kerala and Mahe), the ship will undertake pollution response, maritime surveillance and other chartered duties to safeguard India’s maritime interests. “The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability in pollution control, firefighting, maritime safety and envi ronmental protection,” the ICG said in a release. It will also strengthen the service’s ability to conduct ex tended surveillance and response missions across India’s vast maritime zones. “As the largest and most advanced pollution control ves sel built in India, ICGS Samudra Pratap stands as a testa ment to the nation’s shipbuilding excellence and long-term vision for a cleaner, safer and self-reliant maritime future,” the release added
