Defence Minister Underlines the need to Strengthen Coast Guard
Defence Minister Shri A K Antony has underlined the need to strengthen and consolidate the overall capabilities of the Coast Guard in meeting the growing challenges to country’s maritime zones. Addressing the 26th Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi today, he said there is an urgent need to keep our vast maritime zones under round the clock surveillance by employing surface and air efforts. He said ‘the Indian Coast Guard expansion plan is essential for our economic and national security in this context’. Shri Antony said the setting up of additional coast guard stations at Jakhau, Pudducherry, Beypore and Kakinada are the right steps in this direction.
Referring to the stress related problems, the Defence Minister said that disproportionate deployment of manpower between those on frontline duties, to those required to provide support from ashore, needs to be addressed urgently to reduce stress related problems. The Defence Minister assured the Coast Guard Commanders saying ‘we will do our best to address the issue of additional manpower for shore establishments of coast guard on a priority basis’.
Earlier, Vice Admiral R F Contractor, Director General Coast Guard made a detailed presentation on the state and operational preparedness of the Coast Guard in meeting the mandated tasks. Defence Secretary Shri Vijay Singh also attended the meeting.
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(Release ID :31322)