Territorial Army embodies 'Citizen-Soldier' ideal, says Rajnath Singh
Synopsis
India's Territorial Army — 44,400 strong, spanning disaster relief, border security, and environmental restoration — got a rare spotlight at a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on 6 August, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh framed it not just as a reserve force but as the institutional bridge between civilian society and the military.
Key Takeaways
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on the Territorial Army on 6 August in New Delhi .
The Territorial Army comprises nearly 44,400 personnel and 59 units , described as a first-responder force during natural calamities.
Its Ecological Task Forces have planted approximately 10 crore saplings with a survival rate of 80–85 per cent .
The force has contributed to relief operations during the Kerala floods , Odisha Cyclone , and Assam floods .
Singh linked the force's green initiatives to Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE and Panchamrit commitments.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, 6 August described the Territorial Army as a living embodiment of the 'Citizen-Soldier' concept, saying it builds essential surge capacity for the military by maintaining a reserve of trained, deployable personnel. Singh made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi.
Key Developments at the Committee Meeting
Senior defence officials presented a detailed briefing on the Territorial Army's mandate, operational role, and key achievements to committee members. Members offered suggestions aimed at strengthening the force and enhancing its overall effectiveness. Singh described the Territorial Army's contribution as 'significant' in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat.
What Rajnath Singh Said
'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,' Singh said. He added that personnel who complete their tenure and return to civilian life serve as a bridge between society and the military, inspiring the youth to consider careers in the defence forces.
Force Strength and Disaster Response
The Territorial Army currently comprises nearly 44,400 personnel across 59 diverse units. Singh termed its members the first responders during natural calamities, acknowledging their relief work during the Kerala floods, the Odisha Cyclone, and the recent Assam floods, including medical aid to affected populations.
Environmental Contribution and Mission LiFE
Commending the force's role in environmental management, Singh noted that the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army have planted approximately 10 crore saplings to date, with a survival rate of 80–85 per cent. He said this green initiative is translating Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE and Panchamrit goals into ground-level action. Singh also appreciated the Territorial Army's deployment in Jammu and Kashmir for taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to greater heights.
Senior Officials Present
The meeting was attended by 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. The broad participation signals the government's intent to institutionalise the Territorial Army's expanded civilian-military role going forward.
Point of View
But Thursday's Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting signals a deliberate effort to reposition it as a multi-domain asset — not just a military reserve but an ecological and social force. With 10 crore saplings and a documented disaster-relief record, the force's civilian-facing work is arguably its most underreported contribution. The challenge is institutional: surge capacity is only as credible as the training pipeline and equipment readiness behind it, neither of which was detailed at the meeting. Framing the Territorial Army within Viksit Bharat and Mission LiFE also raises the question of whether its non-military deployments are being expanded at the cost of its core security mandate.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Citizen-Soldier' concept that Rajnath Singh referred to?
The 'Citizen-Soldier' concept describes personnel who maintain civilian careers while remaining trained and available for military deployment. Rajnath Singh used it to highlight how Territorial Army members serve in uniform when required and return to civilian life thereafter, acting as a bridge between society and the armed forces.
How large is India's Territorial Army?
The Territorial Army currently comprises nearly 44,400 personnel organised into 59 diverse units. It functions as a reserve force that supplements the regular army during security operations, natural disasters, and ecological missions.
What environmental work has the Territorial Army done?
The Territorial Army's Ecological Task Forces have planted approximately 10 crore saplings across India, with a survival rate of 80–85 per cent. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh linked this initiative to Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE and Panchamrit environmental goals.
Which disaster relief operations has the Territorial Army participated in?
The Territorial Army has provided immediate relief, support, and medical aid during the Kerala floods, the Odisha Cyclone, and the recent floods in Assam, according to statements made at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting.
Who attended the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on the Territorial Army?
The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by 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, and senior secretaries for Defence Production and Defence Finance.
