Rajnath Singh chairs meeting with Parliamentary Consultative Committee for Ministry of Defence discussing the role and mandate of the Territorial Army; members offer suggestions to enhance effectiveness. The Territorial Army provides immediate relief during natural calamities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence focused on the Territorial Army in New Delhi today. 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 stated that the Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the ‘Citizen-Soldier’ concept. He explained 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 not only contribute to national defense but also provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities.
Mr Singh further highlighted the role of the Territorial Army in carrying out relief and rescue work, and providing medical aid to those in need during various incidents such as Kerala floods, Odisha Cyclone, and the recent floods in Assam. He emphasized 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.
Lastly, Mr Singh 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.
Source:
Akashvani News
