Indian Army Weighs Induction of Women Cadres into Territorial Army Battalions

Pilot initiative aims to expand women’s participation in volunteer reserve units

2 days ago

8 1 minute read

Indian Army Plans Pilot Induction of Women Cadres into Territorial Army Battalions — Image credit : PTI

The Indian Army is considering a major step toward gender inclusion by exploring the induction of women cadres into selected Territorial Army (TA) battalions. According to internal developments, discussions are underway to launch this initiative as a pilot project, marking a significant shift in the structure of India’s volunteer reserve force.

The proposed move aligns with the Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance the role of women across various operational and support domains. Under the plan, a limited number of TA battalions will be opened to women volunteers in the first phase. The performance, operational adaptability, and overall system response during this trial period will determine how quickly the initiative can be expanded to additional units.

The Territorial Army-based on the citizen-soldier model-allows professionals from civilian fields to serve the nation part-time while maintaining their regular careers. The introduction of women into these battalions would not only widen the Army’s talent pool but also symbolize a meaningful advancement in gender representation within defence services.

Women have previously served in specific TA units, particularly in ecological, engineering, and infrastructure-related roles. The current proposal seeks to extend their participation into more conventional battalions, reflecting a broader shift in the Army’s recruitment philosophy.

Senior officials believe that the induction of women into the TA will strengthen operational capabilities, bring diverse skill sets into the force, and enhance alignment with the country’s wider policy focus on women’s empowerment. A structured review mechanism is expected to be put in place to assess training needs, administrative adjustments, and long-term integration.

If approved, this development could mark one of the most impactful transitions in the Territorial Army’s history, opening the doors to deeper inclusion and modernisation within India’s defence framework.