Rajendra Singh takes charge as Indian Coast Guard chief

NEW DELHI: Rajendra Singh today took charge as the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, the first non-Navy officer to be elevated to the top post.

Singh, who belonged to the first batch of Indian Coast Guard in 1980 and was the Inspector General (West region) during the 26/11 terror attacks, took charge from Vice Admiral H C S Bisht.

Bisht will take over as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, an official release said today.

Singh was the Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. His elevation as the DG was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet on February 24.

He is the first officer from Coast Guard to head the maritime security agency. The top post was earlier held by officials from the Indian Navy.

The officer 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.

Singh 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 August 15, 2002.

Having served in various capacities both ashore and afloat, Singh has a track record in the field of Operations, Administration, HR and Policy and Plans, it said.