Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, where discussions centred on the role, mandate and future strengthening of the Territorial Army.
During the meeting, senior Ministry of Defence officials gave a detailed presentation on the Territorial Army’s responsibilities, operational contributions and key achievements. Members of the committee also offered suggestions aimed at enhancing the force’s effectiveness.
Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army as a vital contributor to the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He said that while the regular armed forces are primarily responsible for national security, the Territorial Army also makes significant contributions to environmental conservation, disaster response and social welfare initiatives.
Calling the Territorial Army a “living embodiment of the citizen-soldier concept,” the Defence Minister noted that its personnel balance civilian professions with military service, enabling them to support border security and internal stability when required.
He said the force provides critical surge capacity by maintaining a reserve of trained personnel who can be mobilised quickly during emergencies. According to Singh, Territorial Army members also serve as a link between the military and society after returning to civilian life, inspiring young people to consider careers in the armed forces.
The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel across 59 units. Singh praised its role as a first responder during natural disasters, highlighting its relief, rescue and medical assistance operations during the Kerala floods, the Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.
The Defence Minister also commended the Territorial Army’s contribution to environmental conservation. He said its Ecological Task Forces have planted nearly 100 million saplings, with an estimated survival rate of 80–85 per cent. He added that these efforts support the government’s Mission LiFE and Panchamrit climate initiatives. Singh also acknowledged the force’s role in promoting the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by 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, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officials.
