Defence Minister reviews territorial Army's role

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), where discussions centred on the Territorial Army, its operational role and measures to further strengthen the force.

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During the meeting, senior MoD officials gave a detailed presentation on the Territorial Army's mandate, role and key achievements. Members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee also offered suggestions aimed at enhancing the force's effectiveness.

Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army's contribution as significant in advancing the government's vision of a "Viksit Bharat." He said that while the armed forces primarily focus on national security, the Territorial Army also plays an important role in environmental conservation, disaster response and social service.

Calling the Territorial Army a "living embodiment" of the Citizen-Soldier concept, the Defence Minister said its members balance civilian careers while remaining prepared to safeguard the nation's borders and support internal security whenever required.

Singh said the Territorial Army creates surge capacity for the armed forces by maintaining a reserve of trained personnel who can be mobilised quickly during emergencies. He added that after completing their service, Territorial Army personnel continue to strengthen civil-military ties by inspiring citizens, particularly the youth, to join the defence forces.

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The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units. Singh described the force as a first responder during natural disasters, highlighting its role in relief and rescue operations, medical assistance and humanitarian support during the Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.

The Defence Minister also lauded the Territorial Army's contribution to environmental protection through its Ecological Task Forces. He said these units have planted nearly 10 crore saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 percent, supporting the government's Mission LiFE and Panchamrit initiatives. He further appreciated the force's efforts in promoting the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officials.

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