First-Time Inclusion of Women Soldiers in TA’s Home & Hearth Units

Why in News?

The Directorate General of the Territorial Army (TA) has approved the induction of women soldiers into the Home & Hearth (H&H) Infantry Battalions for the first time. This marks a major step towards gender inclusion, expanded operational roles, and a more representative defence framework.

Background: Territorial Army (TA)

About the TA

• A part-time, voluntary reserve force supporting the Regular Indian Army.
• Works on the Citizen-Soldier model—volunteers serve while maintaining their professions.
• Governed under the Territorial Army Act, 1948.

Historical Evolution

• Origin in Volunteer Forces of 1857, post First War of Independence.
• 1917: Universities asked to raise defence units (Bose & Nehru served in Calcutta University Corps).
• 1948: Territorial Army Act passed.
• 1949: TA officially inaugurated — celebrated as TA Raising Day (9 October).

Current Composition

Includes:

• Infantry Battalions (incl. H&H units in J&K & NE)
• Ecological Battalions
• Engineer units (LoC fencing)
• Railway, Oil, and other departmental units
• Composite Eco-Task Forces under Namami Gange

Significance of Territorial Army

• Frees Regular Army from static duties to focus on core combat operations.
• Supports counter-insurgency, internal security, and community outreach.
• Acts during natural disasters, industrial unrest, and service restoration.
• Major contributor to afforestation and ecological restoration.
• Functions as a reserve force during emergencies.
• Enhances civil–military coordination.

Induction of Women into TA’s H&H Battalions — Why It Matters

1. Expanding Operational Roles

Women officers have served in TA’s ecological, railway, and oil-sector units since 2019.
Now, for the first time, women enter Infantry-linked H&H battalions, widening their exposure to security operations.

2. Strengthening Internal Security & Local Engagement

H&H battalions operate in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East, supporting:

• Area domination
• Intelligence coordination
• Road-opening duties
• Disaster relief & civil administration tasks

3. Gender Mainstreaming in Defence

• Reinforces India’s “Nari Shakti” vision.
• Encourages meaningful, combat-support level integration of women.
• Supports a modern, inclusive force structure.

Women in Indian Defence Forces — A Quick Timeline

Early Roles

• 1888: Military Nursing Service
• 1958: Women doctors in Army Medical Corps

Modern Entry & Reforms

• 1992: Women Special Entry Scheme (non-combat branches)
• 2005: Short Service Commission (SSC) formalised
• 2008: First Permanent Commission (JAG, AEC)
• 2020: SC’s Babita Puniya judgment — PC for women in all SSC-eligible arms

Combat & New Opportunities

• 2016: Women fighter pilots in IAF
• 2022: Scheme made permanent
• 2022: Agnipath opened soldier-level roles to women

Current Status

• Women ≈ 4% of Indian Army
• Indian Navy: all branches open, incl. submarines

Notable Achievements

• Women-led CI operations (e.g., Col Sofiya Qureshi).
• Women officers completed Navika Sagar Parikrama II (global circumnavigation).

Importance of This Reform

Strategic Benefits

• Adds manpower in sensitive regions.
• Enhances intelligence and ground-level interaction.
• Supports hybrid-threat environments with community engagement.

Institutional & Social Impact

• Breaks gender barriers in infantry-linked roles.
• Strengthens India’s commitment to gender equality.
• Encourages more women to join armed forces.

Challenges Going Forward

• Gender-sensitive infrastructure in field locations.
• Integration into traditionally male-dominated battalions.
• Training synchronisation and role adjustment.
• Long-term retention & career growth pathways.