Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence focused on the Territorial Army in New Delhi. During the meeting, the senior officials presented a detailed briefing on the Territorial Army’s mandate, role and key achievements to the committee members, who offered valuable suggestions to further strengthen the force and enhance its overall effectiveness.

 

Addressing the meeting, Mr Singh said that the Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the ‘Citizen-Soldier’ concept. He said that while its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security. He noted that the Territorial Army comprises approximately 44 thousand four hundred personnel and 59 diverse units, who provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities. Mr Singh acknowledged their role in carrying out relief and rescue work, and providing medical aid to those in need during Kerala floods, Odisha Cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.

 

The Defence Minister further said that the Territorial Army creates surge capacity for the defence forces by building a reserve of trained soldiers who can be deployed immediately whenever the need arises. He added that when the personnel complete their tenure and return to civilian life, they act as a vibrant bridge between society and the military, inspiring the people, especially the youth, to join the defence forces.