In a break from tradition, the Centre on Wednesday appointed Rajendra Singh as Director General of Indian Coast Guard who is will be the first officer from the maritime security agency to be elevated to the top post.
According to the tradition prevalent till so far, a Naval officer used to head the Coast Guard. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the appointment of Singh as DG, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training said.
Singh at present is Additional Director General of the Coast Guard. Singh, who joined the organisation in 1980, has been appointed in place of Vice Admiral HCS Bisht. Bisht is set to take over as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, the order said.
The DG designate has commanded each class of Coast Guard Ship in service, which includes the Interceptor Boat, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel.
“In the early 1980s, when smuggling was at its zenith in Indian waters, he was actively involved in apprehending numerous maritime economic offenders whose activities were inimical to national interests,” says Singh’s bio data on the Coast Guard’s website.
He was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal (TM) by the President on August 15, 1990. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) on Aug 15, 2002.
Having served in various capacities both ashore and afloat, Singh has an impeccable track record in the field of Operations, Administration, human resource, policy and plans.