51 new appointments in Defence Services Welfare Department to improve services for ex-servicemen: Mohinder Bhagat

Chandigarh, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture Mohinder Bhagat on Saturday handed over appointment letters to 51 newly recruited employees of the Defence Services Welfare Department, saying the move would strengthen the department’s capacity to provide timely services to ex-servicemen and their families.

The appointment letters were distributed at Sainik Sadan in Mohali. The new appointments comprise eight District Defence Services Welfare Officers, 42 Sainik Welfare Organisers and one clerk.

Bhagat said the appointments would help address the staff shortage in the department and improve the delivery of welfare services at the district level. He said nearly 20 per cent of the existing staff shortage had now been addressed through the recruitment process undertaken by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Minister said the department plays an important role in addressing the welfare needs of ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, widows and their dependents. The strengthening of the workforce would enable officials to process such cases more efficiently and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive government assistance without unnecessary delays.

Congratulating the newly appointed employees, Bhagat said a government job was not merely a source of employment but also an opportunity to serve the people. He urged them to perform their duties with honesty, dedication and a people-oriented approach.

He particularly called upon the new officials to remain sensitive to the needs of families of martyrs and ex-servicemen, describing their welfare as a key responsibility of the department. He reiterated that the Punjab government remained committed to their welfare, rehabilitation and timely access to government services.

Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) and other senior officers and employees were present at the programme.