An article published in "THE HINDU"dated May 30, 1958 read as under:
"TERRITORIAL FORCE"
"An appeal to industrialists to help to promote public interest in the territorial and other auxiliary forces which were playing a very useful part in maintaining national solidarity and in the defence of the country was made by Mr. V.K. Krishna Menon, Defence Minister, during a meeting at Rajaji hall, Madras, on May 28. The State Government convened this preliminary meeting with a view to forming an association in Madras similar to the Welfare Association for Auxiliary Forces formed in Bombay under the guidance of Mr. Naval H. Tata. The objects of the Association were to promote public interest in territorial and other auxiliary forces, assist in recruitment to them, encourage liaison between the various forces and the services and provide amenities and comforts for the units and members of the services."
It is pertinent to mention that TERRITORIAL FORCE (or TERRITORIAL ARMY) is also known as the CITIZENS' ARMY .Now, looking back on the article....can someone tell where are these associations which were promised in 1958 ???????
There is an urgent need to bring all Territorial on a common platform whether serving or retired.It is,highly unfortunate that a trained manpower of this magnitude has gone unrecognised in India.This manpower can surely act as a force multiplier in all our nation building activities.Our policymakers needs to give a serius thought to it.They can even be utilised in combating terrorism during disembodied state.
Territorial Army in India is not much recognised as in western nations People are more aware of NCC than abot TA.in Regular ARMY also most of personnel are just aware that it is two month ARMy a part time force....But in fd in J&K almost all are aware that TA is guarding many VA & VP are in close association with RR & doing extremely GOOD in ROP role fm jammu to LOC & all
ReplyDeleteutilising them on disembodiment state is practically difficult as more to national impt is employment concern of TA pers & their employeer, so in practicality it is less feasible
As part time also the very basic concept is being defeated reasons as narrated in my previous mail BUt yes our policy maker needs to give this a serious thought as higlighten by major surinder in broad view in the national intrest