- Parliamentary Consultative Committee reviews the expanding role of the Territorial Army in national security, disaster response, environmental conservation and nation-building
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 6
Recognising the Territorial Army as one of India’s most versatile national assets, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reaffirmed its growing role as the country’s “Citizen-Soldier” force, highlighting its invaluable contributions to border security, disaster relief, environmental conservation and nation-building while chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting focused on the functioning, mandate and future roadmap of the Territorial Army, with senior Ministry of Defence officials presenting a comprehensive briefing on the force’s achievements, operational capabilities and evolving responsibilities. Members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee offered a number of suggestions aimed at further strengthening the force and enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Addressing the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the Territorial Army’s contribution as “significant” in advancing the Government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
“The Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the ‘Citizen-Soldier’ concept. While its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security,” he said.
He noted that while the regular Armed Forces remain primarily responsible for safeguarding the nation’s security, the Territorial Army has carved out an equally important role in environmental conservation, disaster management and various social initiatives.
The Defence Minister said the Territorial Army serves as a crucial reserve force, creating surge capacity for the Armed Forces by maintaining a pool of trained personnel who can be mobilised whenever required.
He further observed that after completing their tenure, Territorial Army personnel return to civilian life as ambassadors of patriotism, inspiring society—particularly the younger generation—to join the Armed Forces.
Describing the Territorial Army as a trained, motivated and battle-ready force, Rajnath Singh said it currently comprises nearly 44,400 personnel across 59 diverse units.
He praised the force for consistently acting as one of the country’s first responders during natural disasters, acknowledging its exemplary relief, rescue and medical assistance during the Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.
Highlighting the Territorial Army’s contribution to environmental sustainability and climate action, the Defence Minister said the Ecological Task Forces have planted nearly 10 crore saplings, achieving an impressive 80-85 per cent survival rate.
He said the initiative has translated the Government’s Mission LiFE and Panchamrit commitments into meaningful action on the ground.
Defence Minister also commended Territorial Army personnel deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for taking the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to greater heights, further strengthening the spirit of patriotism across the region.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, General Anil Chauhan, General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.
