Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, during which discussions centred on the Territorial Army, with members offering suggestions to further strengthen the force and enhance its overall effectiveness.
Singh said the Territorial Army creates surge capacity for the armed forces by maintaining a reserve of trained personnel who can be deployed immediately whenever required.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S 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 officials attended the meeting, the Ministry of Defence said.
Senior officials made a detailed presentation on the Territorial Army's mandate, role and key achievements. Committee members also shared suggestions to further improve the force's capabilities.
Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army's contribution as "significant" in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's vision of Viksit Bharat. While the armed forces are primarily responsible for national security, he said the Territorial Army also plays an important role in environmental conservation and social service.
Calling it a living embodiment of the "citizen-soldier" concept, Singh said members of the Territorial Army pursue civilian professions while also serving in uniform to safeguard the nation's borders and maintain internal security.
He added that after completing their tenure, Territorial Army personnel return to civilian life as a "vibrant bridge" between society and the military, inspiring people, particularly the youth, to join the armed forces.
The ministry said the Territorial Army has nearly 44,400 personnel serving across 59 units.
Describing the force as "first responders", Singh highlighted its role in providing immediate relief and assistance during natural disasters. He commended its contribution to rescue and relief operations, including medical support during the Kerala floods, the Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.
Praising the Territorial Army's role in environmental conservation and climate action, Singh said its Ecological Task Forces have planted nearly 100 million saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 per cent. He said the initiative supports the Prime Minister's 'Mission LiFE' and 'Panchamrit' commitments at the grassroots level.
The Defence Minister also appreciated the efforts of Territorial Army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir for taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to greater heights.
Raised on October 9, 1949, the Territorial Army completed 75 years in 2024. Fully integrated with the regular Army, it has played a vital role in defending the nation during wars, supporting humanitarian relief operations and contributing to environmental protection over the decades.