New Delhi, August 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, where discussions focused on the Territorial Army and ways to strengthen its overall effectiveness.
Singh said the Territorial Army creates additional capacity for the defence forces by maintaining a reserve of trained soldiers who can be deployed immediately when required. Committee members also offered suggestions on strengthening the force after senior officials briefed them on its mandate, role and key achievements.
Citizen-Soldiers Strengthen Defence Preparedness
Describing the Territorial Army as a living embodiment of the “citizen-soldier” concept, Singh said its members pursue civilian careers while also wearing the uniform to safeguard the borders and help maintain internal security.
He said that after completing their tenure and returning to civilian life, Territorial Army personnel act as a “vibrant bridge” between society and the military. Their presence in civilian life can also help inspire people, particularly the youth, to join the defence forces.
The Territorial Army has nearly 44,400 personnel across 59 diverse units and is fully integrated with the regular Army. Its ability to maintain a trained reserve while drawing personnel from civilian life gives it a distinctive place in the country’s defence structure.
From National Security To Nation-Building
Singh described the Territorial Army’s contribution as “significant” in advancing the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
While the primary role of the defence forces centres on security, Singh said the Territorial Army also contributes to environmental conservation and social work. This wider role underlines how the force operates beyond conventional military responsibilities, PTI reports.
The Defence Minister also described Territorial Army personnel as “first responders” who provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities. He acknowledged their role in relief and rescue operations and in providing medical assistance during the Kerala floods, the Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.
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Green Force With 10 Crore Saplings
Singh commended the Territorial Army’s contribution to environmental management and climate change mitigation, saying its ecological task forces have planted approximately 10 crore saplings so far, with a survival rate of 80% to 85%.
He said the initiative is helping translate the Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE and Panchamrit goals into action on the ground.
Singh also appreciated the efforts of Territorial Army personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for taking the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign to greater heights.
75 Years Of Service
Raised on Oct 9, 1949, the Territorial Army completed 75 years in 2024. Over the decades, it has served the country during wars and contributed to humanitarian operations and environmental protection.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani, Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officers.
The discussions highlighted the Territorial Army’s combination of military preparedness, civilian participation, disaster response and environmental work. Its expanding responsibilities also reinforce the importance of maintaining a trained and effective reserve that can support the regular Army whenever required.
