Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed the Territorial Army’s contribution to national security and public outreach in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the volunteer force has played an important role in strengthening border security, supporting internal stability and expanding the government’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in J&K.
Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, Singh said the Territorial Army continues to exemplify the concept of the “citizen-soldier”, with volunteers balancing civilian professions while remaining trained and ready to serve alongside the armed forces whenever required.
The minister said the force has evolved into a crucial component of India’s security architecture by providing trained manpower that can be mobilised rapidly during emergencies while also contributing to nation-building initiatives beyond its conventional military role.
“The Territorial Army not only strengthens the country’s defence preparedness but also serves as an important bridge between the armed forces and civil society,” Singh told the committee, noting that personnel return to their civilian occupations after completing their military assignments, carrying with them first-hand experience that inspires greater public participation in national service.
Highlighting its role in J&K, Singh said Territorial Army personnel have actively supported the government’s outreach efforts under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, helping extend the nationwide initiative across the Union Territory while continuing to discharge operational responsibilities related to border management and internal security.
The minister described the force as a valuable reserve for the regular armed forces, capable of augmenting military operations during periods of heightened security requirements, natural disasters and other national emergencies.
Senior defence officials briefed members of the parliamentary committee on the Territorial Army’s operational mandate, organisational structure and recent achievements, while Members of Parliament offered suggestions aimed at strengthening the force and enhancing its effectiveness.
Singh said the Territorial Army has also emerged as an important contributor to India’s broader development agenda through its involvement in environmental conservation, disaster relief and community welfare programmes.
According to the Defence Minister, the force currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units and has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the country, including rescue missions during floods in Assam and Kerala and cyclone response operations in Odisha.
He also highlighted the work of the Territorial Army’s Ecological Task Forces, saying they have planted nearly 100 million saplings across the country while maintaining an estimated 80 to 85 percent survival rate, making a significant contribution to afforestation, ecological restoration and climate change mitigation.
Describing the Territorial Army as a force that combines patriotism with public service, Singh said its unique structure allows ordinary citizens to contribute directly to national security without giving up their civilian careers, thereby reinforcing the connection between society and the armed forces.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State (MoS) Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, 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 of the Ministry of Defence.
