Former Director General, Indian Coast Guard
Shri Rajendra Singh prior his appointments as member NDMA, was at the reins of the Indian Coast Guard from 29 Feb 16 to 30 Jun 2019. A resident of Dehradun, Director General Rajendra Singh joined Indian Coast Guard in 1980. Director General Rajendra Singh did his primary and higher education at Dehradun and Mussoorie.
During his service tenure, erstwhile Director General held various important Command and Staff appointments, both afloat and ashore, with unique distinction of commanding all classes of Indian Coast Guard ships which include the Interceptor Boat, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel. His efforts at apprehending numerous maritime economic offenders whose activities are inimical to national interest were recognized with the award of the Tatrakshak Medal on 15 Aug 1990 and later President’s Tatrakshak Medal on 15 Aug 2007.
During the last 39 years, the Flag Officer consolidated the administrative framework and laid foundation for expansion of the organization in terms of capacity building, manpower and infrastructure. He was thus instrumental in elevating the image of the Coast Guard to a multi-mission service. During his tenure as Director General, he concurrently served as Chairman of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board, Chairman of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan and National Competent Authority to support oil spill response in the waters of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives under the South Asia Cooperation Program. As Chairman of the National Offshore Security Coordination Committee he also oversaw coordination of security measures of the offshore installations.
He maintained a proactive stance towards preventing and suppressing piracy and armed robbery at sea. The menace of piracy which was predominant along the Somalian coast and had spread to the areas off Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands, was re-designated out of ISRR due his proactive involvement and constant vigil.
As regards to international cooperation amongst the littorals, till date the bonhomie and coordination is long remembered by all. India as a nation gained by his charismatic personality. His charm ensured that Indian interests were paramount in all international forums.
He steered Coast Guard to become one of the most effective agency in fighting drug menace. Under his command, the service proved its mettle by enabling the largest seizure in Indian maritime history of 1500 kg heroin off the Gujarat coast which amounted to a mammoth total of 6400 cr worth narcotics.
He planned and executed countless Maritime Search and Rescue operations in varying capacity from Commanding Officer of ships to Commander which in turn gave him insight to the issue and also the required experience to objectively approach and mitigate the threat. Equipped with experience, he ensured that Coast Guard saved one life every alternate day on average at sea during his tenure.
He also developed strategy and plans for fire-fighting onboard coast guard ships and external fire-fighting support to merchant vessels in distress at sea. These resources were effectively utilized during successful fire fighting operations such as MT Genessa off kandla, MV Daniela off Srilanka Coast and MV Kolkatta off West Bengal which brought international accolade to the nation and service in particular.
Further in regards to his expertise in disaster management, effective measures and policies were instituted during his tenure which minimized the loss of property and life in the wake of Tsunami, floods and multiple cyclones on the east and west coast of India including Ockhi, Hudhud, Vayu, Fani to name a few.