India-Pak Tensions: The Ministry of Defence has granted the Army Chief broad powers to mobilize the Territorial Army in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The Territorial Army personnel can be used to strengthen security in various commands across the country and in support of the Army. This decision assumes significance after the Indian Army recently conducted Operation Sindhur to eliminate terrorists in Pakistan, and Pakistan responded to it with missiles and drone strikes.
The Narendra Modi government at the Center has taken a key decision as tensions between India and Pakistan are increasing with India’s Operation Sindoor in retaliation . In the current situation, to further strengthen the security of the country and provide assistance to the regular army, the Ministry of Defense has issued orders, giving extensive powers to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to deploy the Territorial Army in the field.
The Defense Ministry has taken this decision under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules 1948. Through these new powers, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi can use the officers and personnel of the Territorial Army for emergency security duties or in support of regular army operations. According to the circular issued by the Ministry of Defense, in exercise of the powers of the Territorial Army Rules.. the Central Government has granted the Army Chief the power to call every officer of the Territorial Army for necessary guard or in support or attachment to the regular army. Out of the existing 32 infantry battalions (Territorial Army), 14 battalions will be deployed in the Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Army Training Command (ARTRAC) areas.
However, orders for this deployment will have to be issued only if funds are available in the budget or after funding is provided through internal savings. The circular states that if units are deployed at the request of ministries other than the Ministry of Defence, the cost will be credited to the account of the concerned ministries and will not be included in the budget allocation of the Ministry of Defence. These powers given to the Army Chief will provide more flexibility to the Indian Army to further strengthen the country’s security system and effectively face any challenges.
Also Read: Indo-Pak War: Delhi to Install 40 Air Sirens With 5-km Range
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