New Delhi 6 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, during which members discussed the role, mandate and future strengthening of the Territorial Army.
According to an official statement, senior defence officials briefed the committee on the Territorial Army’s responsibilities and achievements, while members offered suggestions to enhance its effectiveness.
Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army as a “living embodiment” of the citizen-soldier concept, saying its personnel balance civilian careers with military responsibilities to safeguard the nation’s borders and assist in maintaining internal security.
He said the Territorial Army plays a crucial role in creating a reserve of trained soldiers who can be mobilised whenever required, while also serving as a bridge between the armed forces and society after returning to civilian life.
Highlighting the force’s contribution beyond military duties, the defence minister said the Territorial Army has played a key role in disaster relief operations during floods in Kerala and Assam and the Odisha cyclone, besides undertaking rescue operations and providing medical assistance.
Singh also praised the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army for planting nearly 10 crore saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 per cent, saying the initiative supports the government’s environmental and climate goals. He further lauded the force’s role in promoting the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended the meeting, the statement said.(NVI)
