NEW DELHI: The Army is considering the induction of women cadres in Territorial Army, PTI reported citing sources on Sunday.The report said that the was a part of a pilot initiative. The first phase of recruitment will be confined to a select number of battalions, with the possibility of expanding to others later depending on the initial outcomes and assessments.The move comes amid government’s persistent efforts to increase ‘Nari Shakti’ in the armed forces.The Territorial Army in its present structure was established after the Territorial Army Act was passed on August 18, 1948. It was officially launched on October 9, 1949, by India’s first governor general, C Rajagopalachari.The Territorial Army was created on the principle of a “citizen soldiers’ force.” In addition to supporting organisational needs, it offers willing and capable Indian citizens, particularly those beyond the age limit for the regular Army, a chance to serve the nation in uniform.The force currently comprises around 50,000 personnel, according to its official website. This includes 65 departmental TA units such as those under the Railways, IOC and ONGC, as well as non-departmental units that range from Infantry (including Home and Hearth battalions) to Ecological battalions and Engineer units tasked with maintaining fencing along the Line of Control.
