Rakesh Pal, a prominent Indian four-star general of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), has made remarkable contributions to the country’s maritime defense. With an illustrious career and numerous accomplishments, he gained widespread attention upon his appointment as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Notably, Rakesh Pal holds the distinction of being the first officer of the ICG to qualify as a gunner, adding to his exceptional achievements.
Rakesh Pal Early Life and Education
Rakesh Pal was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, and pursued his formal education before embarking on his journey in the armed forces. His dedication and passion for serving the nation led him to join the esteemed Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala. There, he underwent rigorous military training, and in January 1989, he commenced his career with the Indian Coast Guard as an Assistant Commandant (AC).
Physical Appearance
Rakesh Pal possesses a distinctive physical appearance:
| Height (approx.) | 5′ 6″ |
| Weight (approx.) | 60 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Family and Personal Life
While much information about Rakesh Pal’s parents and siblings remains undisclosed, his marital status remains unknown, suggesting that he prefers to keep his personal life private.
Career Highlights
Rakesh Pal’s career in the Indian Coast Guard has been illustrious, marked by notable achievements and significant contributions to the maritime defense of India. Throughout his service, he held various crucial positions, including:
- Commander of Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar.
- Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi.
- Additional Director General of Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi.
Moreover, Rakesh Pal has accumulated extensive maritime experience by leading operations on various classes of ICG ships, including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahalyabai, and ICGS C-03. He also commanded two Coast Guard bases in the forward area of Okha and Vadinar in Gujarat.
Promotions and Responsibilities
In recognition of his exemplary service and leadership, Rakesh Pal was promoted to the position of Additional Director General (ADG) in February 2022 and assigned to the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi. Subsequently, in February 2023, he was entrusted with the esteemed role of Director General (DG) of the Indian Coast Guard.
Contributions and Operations
Under Rakesh Pal’s leadership, the Indian Coast Guard successfully conducted numerous operations and drills, showcasing their prowess in safeguarding the nation’s coastal waters. These operations included:
- Apprehending drugs and illicit substances.
- Seizing valuable gold worth millions of rupees.
- Executing rescue missions during severe cyclonic storms.
- Conducting joint exercises with foreign coast guards.
- Engaging in anti-poaching operations.
- Providing humanitarian aid during cyclones and natural disasters.
- Ensuring coastal security through strategic exercises.
Appointment as the 25th Director General
In a momentous development, on 19 July 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) appointed Rakesh Pal as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Expressing his feelings on the occasion, Rakesh Pal said, “I am very honored and privileged to take over as the 25th DG of the Indian Coast Guard. My priorities are to make sure that our Coast Guard charter of duties for which we are mandated, we are going to fulfill that. We are going to ensure gap-free surveillance, coastal security. We are having very good synergy and coordination with multi-stake agencies. We are looking forward to ensuring that the coastal security apparatus is as per the SoP which is in place.”
Military Awards and Recognition
Rakesh Pal’s exceptional contributions have been duly recognized with prestigious military awards, including:
- Tatrakshak Medal (TM) from the Government of India in 2013.
- President Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) in 2018.
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Tatrakshak Medal (TM) |
| 2018 | President Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) |
Salary and Benefits
As the Director General, Rakesh Pal receives a salary of Rs. 2,05,000 along with other allowances, as per the revised 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) guidelines.1
| Designation | Salary | Other Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Director General | Rs. 2,05,000 | As per guidelines |
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Additional Roles and Interests
Apart from his remarkable career achievements, Rakesh Pal also assumed the role of the presiding Indian Governor at the 17th Governing Council Meeting held in Singapore in March 2023. Additionally, he is known for his voracious reading habits, reflecting his quest for knowledge.
Rakesh Pal’s journey from being an Assistant Commandant to becoming the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests. With his exceptional achievements and unwavering determination, Rakesh Pal continues to inspire future generations in the field of defense and security. His contributions to the Indian Coast Guard and the nation at large are a source of pride and admiration.
