Women Soldiers to Join Territorial Army Battalions | 19 Nov 2025

Source: IE

Why in News? 

The Directorate General of Territorial Army has decided to induct women soldiers into Territorial Army (TA) Home & Hearth (H&H) Infantry battalions for the first time, marking a major step in expanding women’s roles in the defence forces.

What is the Territorial Army (TA)?

• About: The Territorial Army (TA) is a part-time voluntary military force that supports and augments the Regular Indian Army.
  • It is based on a Citizen Soldiers’ army (‘Sons of Soil’) concept and officers undergo Annual Training on basic military skills.
  • It functions under the Territorial Army Act, 1948 and allows trained civilian volunteers to serve in uniform while continuing their regular professions.
• Background: The roots of the TA trace back to the Volunteer Forces of 1857 formed after the First War of Independence in 1857.
  
  • The Indian Defence Force Act of 1917 made universities raise defence units, with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru joining the Calcutta University Corps in 1918. 
    • The Force had two parts, the European Auxiliary Force and the Indian Branch, which later became the Indian Territorial Force.
  • After Independence, the Territorial Army Act, 1948 was passed, The TA was formally inaugurated on 9th October 1949 by first Indian Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari ( now celebrated as Raising Day of Territorial Army).
• Evolution: The TA began with many unit types, but most were later merged or disbanded. 
  • It now includes Infantry Battalions, Home & Hearth units in J&K and the North-East, Ecological Battalions, Engineer units for Line of Control fencing, departmental units like Railway, and the Composite Eco Task Force for the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
• Significance: Relieves the Regular Army from static duties so that full-time soldiers can focus on core combat tasks.
  • Assists in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, especially through TA Home & Hearth battalions in J&K and the North-East.
  • Provides support during natural disasters, industrial unrest, and restoration of essential services.
  • Plays a major role in environmental protection, afforestation, and reversing land degradation through TA Eco Battalions.
  • Acts as a reserve force capable of being mobilised during national emergencies, war, and large-scale internal disturbances.
  • Enhances civil–military coordination, as members are civilians who bring diverse skills to national service.

What is the Significance of Inducting Women into Territorial Army H&H battalions?

• The Territorial Army began commissioning women officers in 2019, allowing them to serve in Ecological Task Force units, oil sector TA units and the Railway Engineer Regiment. 
• With the positive experience gained, the Army has now decided to expand their roles further and is preparing to induct women soldiers into Home & Hearth battalions, opening the door to wider operational responsibilities.
• It expands operational opportunities for women, enhances human resources for internal security and disaster response, and advances gender inclusion in India’s defence forces.

Conclusion

The induction of women soldiers into the Territorial Army's Home & Hearth battalions marks a significant step towards gender inclusion in India's defense forces. This move reflects the ongoing evolution of women’s roles in India's armed forces, paving the way for greater equality and empowerment.