Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India] July 11 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard has launched a nationwide awareness campaign from July 14 to July 20 to attract young recruits, highlighting the diverse and challenging career opportunities it offers.

Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, held a press conference with Indian Coast Guard officials on Friday to announce the launch of an awareness campaign in educational institutions across Jharkhand.

During the press conference, MoS Seth informed that the campaign is a result of the huge enthusiasm among the youth to join the forces after Operation Sindoor.

He emphasised that the Indian Coast Guard is taking this opportunity to motivate the young generation to join the uniformed forces through proper channels.

Operation Sindoor was launched after the Pahalgam terror attack to give a 'befitting reply' to Pakistan for their terror-related activities. Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in air strikes on May 7.

Following Pakistan's retaliation, Indian Armed Forces significantly damaged their air force bases on the intervening night of May 9th and 10th, including the Nur Khan base. Later, a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon by the DGMOs of both countries.

DIG and Principal Director of Recruitment, KL Arun, was present at the press conference and provided details about the campaign. DIG Arun said that the forms are available on the Indian Coast Guard website in the joining section.

He also explained the criteria for joining the force. The joining process is underway for different categories, including officers. A 10 per cent reservation will be given to Agniveers who join after their tenure as Agniveers.

DIG Arun further stated that a team from the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi will visit various schools and colleges in Ranchi to raise awareness among students about joining the Indian Coast Guard.

The campaign will feature interactive presentations, lasting approximately 30 minutes, that will provide students with information about the Indian Coast Guard and the various career options available within it. Students from Class 9 and above in schools, as well as all students in colleges, will be encouraged to participate in the program.

Arun also explained the criteria for joining the force and informed that application forms are available on the Indian Coast Guard website. He added that 10% reservation will be given to Agniveers if they join after their tenure.

Seth highlighted that the campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to encourage more young people to join the defence sector and serve the nation.

The Indian Coast Guard, a uniformed service established on February 1, 1977, operates under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for protecting India's maritime interests, enforcing maritime laws, and conducting search and rescue operations.

In a post on X, Minister Seth said, ' The vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is that a greater number of the country's youth join the defence sector and serve the nation. Under the leadership of Honourable Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji, the Ministry of Defence has taken steps in this direction. It is gratifying that a campaign is being launched in Ranchi by @IndiaCoastGuard. This campaign, running until July 20, will see the Coast Guard team visiting various schools and colleges in Ranchi to raise awareness among students about joining the Coast Guard. Through this campaign initiated for students and youth, our young people will be able to closely know and understand the Coast Guard.'

Another post on X read, 'At today's press conference, while providing information about this campaign, DIG and Principal Director of Recruitment India Coast Guard, Shri KL Arun, stated that under this initiative, an interactive presentation of approximately 30 minutes will be given to school and college students, through which information about the Indian Coast Guard and the career options available within it will be shared via a PowerPoint presentation.'

The Indian Coast Guard, a uniformed service, was established on February 1, 1977, and was enacted as an armed force of the Union under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. This force operates under the Ministry of Defence.

KL Arun said that its responsibilities are extremely extensive and significant, including the protection of India's maritime interests, the enforcement of maritime laws, coastal security, search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement.

The main objective of this campaign is to present the Indian Coast Guard as an attractive career option among students. During the campaign, a team from the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi will directly interact with students, enabling them to gain firsthand knowledge about the lifestyle and challenges of this service.

In the context of schools, students from Class 9 and above will be included in this program. Meanwhile, in colleges, all students will be encouraged to participate in it.' (ANI)