Gallantry Award for ICG Personnel

• 27 Feb 2025

Source: PIB 

The Defence Minister conferred gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service medals to Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel for their exemplary service. 

• About Gallantry Awards: They honor bravery in the Armed Forces, other forces, and civilians and are announced on Republic Day and Independence Day. 
  • Order of precedence of the Award: Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. 
• About ICG: ICG is a maritime security force responsible for enforcing maritime laws and operates under the Ministry of Defence. 
  • It was established on 1st February 1977 and became an independent armed force on 18th August 1978 with the enactment of the Coast Guard Act, 1978. 
    • In 1972, UNCLOS granted EEZs to coastal states. India enacted the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976, claiming 2.01 million sq km of ocean necessitating policing for which ICG was required. 
  • It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters (upto 12 nautical miles (nm)) including contiguous zone (upto 24 nm) and EEZ (up to 200 nm) of India. 
  • Also, it is the 4th largest Coast Guard in the world. 

Read More: Indian Coast Guard