Territorial Army key contributor to govt’s developed India vision: Rajnath

New Delhi, Aug 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that Territorial Army is key contributor to government’s vision of developed India.
Chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, here, the Defence Minister said, “The Territorial Army is a key contributor to the government’s vision of a developed India. The force compliments the regular armed forces not only in national security but also in environmental conservation and social welfare initiatives.”
During the meeting members reviewed the role, mandate and achievements of the Territorial Army and discussed measures to further strengthen the force. “Senior officials gave a detailed presentation on the Territorial Army’s operational role and accomplishments, while committee members offered suggestions aimed at enhancing its effectiveness,” an official statement said.
Calling the Territorial Army a “living embodiment” of the citizen-soldier concept, the Defence Minister said its personnel balance civilian professions with military responsibilities, enabling them to support border security and internal security whenever required.
He said the force provides vital reserve capacity for the armed forces by maintaining a pool of trained personnel who can be mobilised at short notice. After completing their military service, these individuals also help strengthen ties between the armed forces and society while inspiring young people to join the military, he added.
The statement said the Territorial Army comprises around 44,400 personnel across 59 units and plays a crucial role in disaster response.
Singh commended its personnel for relief and rescue operations during the Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.
Highlighting the force’s environmental initiatives, Singh said the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army have planted nearly one billion saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 per cent, contributing to the government’s climate and sustainability goals.
He also praised the force’s role in promoting the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior defence officials attended the meeting. (KNO)