7-May-2023: Raksha Mantri approves posting of Women Officers of the Territorial Army along the Line of Control
In a major development, Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs, has approved amendment to existing cadre management provisions for Women Officers of the Territorial Army (TA).
Territorial Army had commenced Commissioning of Women Officers in TA since 2019. Thus far these Woman Officers were able to serve Ecological Task Force Units, TA Oil sector units and TA Railway Engineer Regiment. Based on the experience gained during this period, a considered proposal was prepared to extend the employment scope further for women officers in TA which has now been approved by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri in April this year.
Women Officers of the Territorial Army will now be posted with Engineer Regiments of the Territorial Army serving along the Line of Control and as staff officers at TA Group Headquarters/ Directorate General of Territorial Army at New Delhi, as per organizational requirement.
This progressive policy measure is aimed at enhancing the scope of employment of Women Officers as also meet their professional aspirations since they will now serve and train under the same conditions as their male counterparts in a wider range of units and appointments including serving in challenging field conditions and in important staff appointments.
The Territorial Army is based on a Citizen Soldiers’ army concept and officers undergo Annual Training on basic military skills while remaining gainfully employed in civilian life.
13-Apr-2023: Purvottar Bharat Rally concluded at Umroi Military Station
Flagging in off the Purvottar Bharat Parikrama, Indian Army’s pan North East Car Rally, was conducted at Umroi Military Station. The Rally has finally reached its destination Umroi Military Station, after travelling across the 9 states over 20 days. The Rally was flagged by Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya Shri Phagu Chauhan. Sub Maj & Hony Capt Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC (Retd) was also part of the Rally and delivered inspiring talks to the youth pan North East India and motivated them to contribute towards Nation Building.
The car rally was flagged off by Army Commander HQ Eastern Command, Lt Gen RP Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM on 22nd March to 23rd from Fort Williams, Kolkata. The rally covered approximately 4000 Kms over 22 days and passed through scenic routes & arduous terrain, visited various War memorials, conducted Motivational talks at Schools & Colleges and explored many other historical locations of the North East India. The rally received warm welcome at all the places and was showered with affection throughout its journey by the people. Many civil dignitaries also welcomed, interacted with and appreciated the car rally while travelling through various States.
The flagging in ceremony was attended by Shri Phagu Chauhan, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya. The Governor was felicitated by Major General S Murugesan. Hon’ble Governor felicitated the team leader, Brigadier KM Shende, Shaurya Chakra and Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra and lauded the efforts of the Indian Army in the service of the Nation. He also highlighted the superlative coordination between the Army and Civil Administration in Meghalaya and commended the efforts of the Indian Army to assist the Ex-Servicemen and Veterans of the State.
The car rally was aimed to promote national unity, camaraderie and national integration among the people of North East India, bringing together different sections of society and build a “New India” that is stronger and more prosperous. It also focused on enhancing awareness about the Indian Army and the Agniveer program. The event was a great platform to showcase the cultural diversity of North eastern region and encourage tourism.
The event was conducted in collaboration with North Eastern Council under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) as part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
22-Jul-2022: Compulsory Military Service for Youths
The Government has not formulated any scheme for the mandatory service of youth in the Armed Forces. There is no role of the Sainik Schools in the implementation of the Agnipath scheme. The Government has approved the setting up of 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode with NGOs/ Private Schools/ State Governments. This scheme is available to the Schools of all the States/ UTs including the States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, subject to the applicant schools satisfying the eligibility criteria and subsequent signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the NGOs/ Private/ State Government Schools by the Sainik Schools Society.
The recruitment rallies are held by the Armed Forces with an aim to cover all the districts, inter-alia, including the tribal areas of the country.