Rajnath Singh Chairs Parliamentary Panel Meeting on Territorial Army, Highlights Its Role in Nation Building
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, where members reviewed the role, mandate and achievements of the Territorial Army and discussed measures to further strengthen the force.
During the meeting, senior Ministry of Defence officials presented a detailed briefing on the Territorial Army’s operational responsibilities and accomplishments. Committee members offered suggestions to enhance its effectiveness and expand its contribution to national development.
Addressing the meeting, Rajnath Singh described the Territorial Army as a vital pillar in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He said the force represents the true spirit of the “Citizen-Soldier” concept, with volunteers balancing civilian careers while serving the nation in times of need by safeguarding borders and supporting internal security.
The Defence Minister said the Territorial Army provides a crucial reserve of trained personnel who can be mobilised quickly during emergencies, while retired members continue to strengthen ties between society and the armed forces by inspiring youth to join the military.
The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel across 59 units. Rajnath Singh praised the force for its swift response during disasters, including the Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam, where it carried out rescue operations and provided medical assistance.
Highlighting its environmental contribution, the Defence Minister said the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army have planted nearly 10 crore saplings, maintaining an impressive survival rate of 80–85 percent. He said the initiative supports the Government’s environmental goals under Mission LiFE and Panchamrit, while also commending the force’s efforts in promoting the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
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 defence officials attended the meeting.
