Defence Minister Highlights Territorial Army's Role in Nation-Building and Disaster Relief

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Territorial Army for its contributions to the government's Viksit Bharat vision, noting its work in security, environmental projects and emergency response.

During a defence ministry consultative committee session in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Territorial Army's significant role in advancing the Viksit Bharat agenda. He highlighted the dual nature of its members, who balance civilian occupations with uniformed duties to protect borders and maintain internal security. The minister noted the force's rapid-response capability during natural disasters, referencing relief efforts in Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and recent Assam floods.

Environmental contributions were also underscored, with the army’s ecological task forces having planted 10 crore saplings at an 80-85% survival rate, aligning with the Prime Minister's Mission LiFE and Panchamrit initiatives. Singh praised the Territorial Army’s presence in Jammu & Kashmir for promoting the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and called for continued suggestions to boost its effectiveness. The meeting concluded with senior officials presenting a detailed overview of the force’s mandate and key achievements.