New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that the Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the ‘Citizen-Soldier’ concept that creates surge capacity for the military by building a reserve of trained personnel.

Chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence in Delhi, Rajnath Singh described the Territorial Army’s contribution as ‘significant’ in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

During the meeting, 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 & enhance its overall effectiveness.

The Defence Minister emphasised that while the role of the defence forces revolves primarily around security-related aspects, the Territorial Army contributes in other areas such as environmental conservation and social work as well.

“The Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the ‘Citizen-Soldier’ concept. While its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security,” he said.

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.

The Territorial Army stands as a trained, motivated, and potent force, comprising nearly 44,400 personnel and 59 diverse units.

Rajnath Singh termed the force as the first responders, who provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities.

He acknowledged their role in carrying out relief work and providing medical aid to those in need during Kerala floods, Odisha Cyclone and the recent floods in Assam.

Commending their contribution in environmental management and climate change mitigation, Rajnath Singh stated that the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army have planted approximately 10 crore saplings till date, with the survival rate between 80-85 per cent.

This green initiative is translating the Prime Minister’s ‘Mission LiFE’ and ‘Panchamrit’ goals into reality on the ground, he said.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Territorial Army, deployed in J&K, for taking the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to greater heights.

While its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security

Others who attended the meeting included Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. 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.

–IANS

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