IKON
Rakesh Pal, PTM, TM is a serving flag officer in the Indian Coast Guard and currently serves as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989 after attending the Indian Naval Academy.
Pal specialized in Gunnery & Weapons Systems, receiving training at the Indian Navy’s gunnery school, INS Dronacharya, in Kochi. He is recognized as the first Gunner in the Indian Coast Guard. Additionally, he completed an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, Pal has commanded various classes of ships, including the Interceptor boat ICGS C-03, the Inshore patrol vessel ICGS Ahalyabai, and the fast patrol vessel ICGS Sucheta Kriplani. He also led the Vishwast-class offshore patrol vessel ICGS Vijit and the lead ship of her class of advanced offshore patrol vessels, ICGS Samarth. Moreover, Pal has commanded two forward-area Coast Guard bases in Gujarat—Coast Guard Station Okha and Coast Guard Station Vadinar.
In staff roles, Pal served as the Director (Infra & Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi. Upon his promotion to Flag rank, Pal was appointed Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where he was responsible for maritime surveillance, coastal security coordination, and Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR). He later served as Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) at CGHQ. In February 2022, he was promoted to three-star rank and appointed Additional Director General Coast Guard (ADGICG). By February 2023, he took on additional responsibilities as Director General.
Pal was awarded the President’s Tatrakshak Medal in 2018.
What is this job all about?
In addition to the main defense forces and state police, various agencies perform essential duties, often acting as supplementary forces when needed. These are known as para-military operations.
They have the following Units:
1. Indian Coast Guard – www.indiancoastguard.gov.in
2. Border Security Force (BSF) – www.bsf.gov.in
3. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – www.crpf.gov.in
4. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) – www.cisf.gov.in
5. Home Guards – www.dgfscdhg.gov.in
1. The Indian Coast Guard (www.indiancoastguard.gov.in) is a para-military force committed to protecting maritime and national interests within India’s maritime zones. Their responsibilities include ensuring the safety of offshore terminals, installations, and other structures, providing protection to fishermen, assisting them during distress at sea, preserving the maritime environment, and controlling marine pollution. The Coast Guard also assists Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations and has recently been involved in counter-terrorism activities.
Types of Jobs:
• Assistant Commandants (General Duty): Graduates with Math and Physics up to Std. 12 level, aged 21-25 years.
• Assistant Commandants (General Duty-Pilots): B.Sc. with Physics and Math; must not have failed the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT). Age: 19-27 years.
• Assistant Commandant (Pilot – CPL): Minimum Std. 12 qualification with a current CPL (Graduation preferred). Age: 21-27 years.
• Assistant Commandant (Technical): Degree in naval architecture, mechanical, marine, telecommunication & electronics, or aeronautical engineering. Age: 21-30 years.
Training:
• Basic training lasts 20 weeks at the Naval Academy, INS Mandovi, Goa, followed by 36 weeks of afloat training on Coast Guard ships.
• Technical courses last 48 weeks at various Naval Schools, followed by 24 weeks of watch-keeping on Coast Guard ships.
Can you go for it?
The job is similar to a defense role, requiring candidates to be both physically and mentally fit.
Pay:
• Assistant Commandant: ₹15,600-39,100 with Grade Pay ₹5,400/-
• Total emoluments on joining: Approximately ₹45,000.
2. Paramilitary Forces
Paramilitary organizations are established to maintain internal security and support the Defense Services in guarding national borders.
The organisations under this category are:
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• State Police Forces
• Home Guards
Entry into these services is possible after completing Class X, XII, or Graduation (Science or Humanities). Women can also join the para-military services. Graduates must pass a written exam followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which includes running, long jump, high jump, and shot-put for men.
After PET, candidates undergo an interview and medical test. Successful candidates then undergo rigorous training before taking charge.
Physical Standard:Height:
• Height: 165 cm for men and 157 cm for women
• Chest: 86 cm with expansion
• Weight: 50 kg for men and 46 kg for women
• Vision: Perfect color vision/corrected vision: J-I/J-vision 6/6 or 6/9
3. Border Security Force (BSF)
The BSF has three operational arms:
1. General Duty Branch: Handles vigilance.
2. Technical Branch: Maintains equipment and telecommunication networks, and oversees construction work.
3. Medical Branch: Provides medical services to BSF troops.
BSF responsibilities include patrolling borders, providing intelligence reports, protecting vital installations, and assisting in riot control, insurgencies, and natural disasters.
4. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The CISF is responsible for providing security to public sector establishments, preventing sabotage, and keeping the Home Ministry informed about industrial security matters.
The hierarchy: At the head of the organisation is the Inspector General, followed by DIGs, Commandants, Assistant Commandants, Inspectors, Sub-inspectors and Security Guards.
5. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
The CRPF maintains internal security, enforces law and order, and provides assistance during floods, riots, and terrorist activities.
The hierarchy: Director General, Inspector Generals (IGs) , Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), Commandants (Selection Grade Officers),Deputy Commandants (Second in Commandant of a Unit), Assistant Commandants or Company Commanders, who assist in the efficient operation of this force. Plus Sub-Inspectors and Constables, who form a major part of the police reserve force.
6. Home Guard Force
The Home Guards supplement the police force during emergencies, assisting in maintaining law and order and managing traffic in cities. They enjoy privileges similar to those of the Police Services.
Salaries:
• Officers: Basic starting salary is approximately ₹8,000, with a gross of around ₹15,000 to ₹16,000, excluding perks like free ration, travel, and medical allowances.
• Jawans: Basic starting salary is around ₹3,050, with a gross of approximately ₹6,000, excluding uniform, ration allowance, travel, and medical allowance.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024