CHANDIGARH, July 8-In a major push to safeguard the state’s livestock during the peak monsoon season, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government rolled out a statewide vaccination drive against Hemorrhagic Septicemia to immunise over 57.70 lakh cattle and buffaloes across the state.

Sharing the details of the immunisation drive, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the department has set a target to immunise 57,70,979 animals by July 30, 2026. He said 16,49,598 livestock have already been vaccinated across the state. It reflects the state government’s commitment to disease prevention during monsoon, he added.

S. Khudian stated, “Timely vaccination is the most effective shield against this fatal infection, which spreads rapidly during the rainy season. Punjab Government was fully committed to protecting the livelihood of the livestock farmers and the backbone of Punjab’s rural economy.”

He appealed the livestock owners to immediately contact their nearest government veterinary institutions and get their animals vaccinated without any delay. He further said that the campaign is being executed through the state’s extensive network of Civil Veterinary Hospitals and Veterinary Dispensaries, where the HS vaccine is readily available. The department has strengthened cold-chain logistics and deployed special rapid-response teams to ensure maximum coverage, particularly in high-risk and flood-prone areas.

Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Mr. Rahul Bhandari directed department officials to expedite the immunisation and complete the remaining target ahead of the July 30 deadline. He asked field staff to ensure no village is left uncovered as the campaign is vital for both animal health and the state’s dairy-based rural economy. The adequate vaccine stocks have been arranged to meet the entire target, Mr. Bhandari added.

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*HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 52 NEWLY RECRUITED EMPLOYEES OF WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION DEPARTMENT*

*SAYS, 520 RECRUITMENTS, MADE IN THE DEPARTMENT SINCE 2022, GIVING FRESH IMPETUS TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS*

*Chandigarh, July 8:*Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today handed over appointment letters to 52 newly recruited candidates of the department.

Congratulating the appointees during a function held at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister said that these appointments would not only help bridge the manpower shortage in the department but would also play a crucial role in ensuring the timely execution and completion of ongoing as well as upcoming development projects.

The Cabinet Minister informed that the recruitment of these 52 candidates has been carried out under the government's compassionate appointment policy. The newly appointed employees include three Junior Draftsmen, nine Clerks, 31 Sewadars, one Sweeper, seven Junior Technicians and one Helper Technician.

Encouraging the newly appointed employees to discharge their duties with sincerity, dedication and commitment, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Punjab Government is committed to providing quality drinking water and sanitation services to the people while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for deserving youth. He said that the fresh recruitment would further strengthen the department's efficiency and accelerate the implementation of development works across the state.

The Cabinet Minister further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has been carrying forward a transparent recruitment process across various departments. As part of this initiative, the Mann Government has so far provided more than 68,000 government jobs to the youth of Punjab.

He further informed that, including today's appointments, the Water Supply and Sanitation Department has so far made a total of 520 recruitments across various categories since 2022. Of these, 468 appointments made earlier, which include 44 Sub Divisional Engineers, 97 Junior Engineers, 81 Junior Draftsmen, 41 Clerks, 27 Stenotypists, 25 Junior Technicians, 76 Helper Technicians, 71 Sewadars, one Chowkidar and five Sweepers. All these employees are currently serving in different districts across the state.

Expressing confidence, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the newly recruited employees would perform their responsibilities with dedication and make a meaningful contribution towards strengthening the department's progress and enhancing public service delivery.