Patna, Nov 25 (NationPress) Following the establishment of the new government in Bihar, ministers are officially taking charge of their designated departments.

Health Minister Mangal Pandey commenced his duties on Monday, marking his fourth term at the helm of the Health Department.

Expressing his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the NDA leadership, he conveyed his pride in being entrusted again with this crucial role.

Pandey stated that the Health Department would be further reinforced under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's guidance.

With ongoing support from the Central Government and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, he noted that health services in Bihar would receive a significant boost.

Upon taking office, Pandey revealed plans for a substantial recruitment initiative, indicating that he had been afforded numerous opportunities to serve the people of Bihar over the years.

Reflecting on his initial term under Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi, he described it as a vital learning experience.

The Minister outlined the recruitment strategy for the Health Department, which includes filling 663 positions for Social Service Officers (SSO) by December, 808 Dentist positions also by December, hiring for 11,389 Grade-A Nurses, and completing examinations for 498 Nursing School Teachers, with further recruitment to commence shortly. Additionally, recruitment for BTAC posts will start post-results, and the process for 12,627 paramedical positions is nearing completion, along with ongoing hiring for 220 Assistant Physicians, 1,501 Ayush Physicians, and several thousand Specialist and General Physicians (CHOs). Moreover, 7,600 posts under NHM are set to be filled in the next one to four months.

Mangal Pandey asserted that recruitment for over 26,000 positions is at its concluding stages, with most formalities already addressed.

He reaffirmed the department's dedication to swiftly modernizing and enhancing healthcare services statewide.

Ramkripal Yadav took charge of the Agriculture Department on Tuesday.

In his initial comments, he referred to the department as the backbone of Bihar's economy, expressing thanks to the Chief Minister and leadership for entrusting him with this significant responsibility.

He highlighted that agriculture is crucial for the state's advancement and that farmers' prosperity directly influences Bihar's progress.

"Our utmost priority is to enhance farmers' productivity, elevate agricultural output, and double or even triple their income," he stated.

Ramkripal Yadav emphasized the necessity of promptly implementing central and state government programs.

Referencing the Prime Minister's vision, he asserted that strong farmers are essential for a thriving India, and agricultural development is fundamental to Bihar's growth.

He stressed a commitment to a corruption-free, transparent, and coordinated work environment, encouraging all officials and employees to work with integrity.

Citing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's belief that farmers embody divinity, he stated that the government's highest dedication is to the welfare of the farming community.

He indicated that the Agriculture Ministry is entering a new phase marked by speed, efficiency, and courtesy.

Information and Public Relations Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also officially took charge of his department.

During a media briefing, he mentioned that the department aims to enhance government communication to be more effective, transparent, and focused on the public.

Ensuring timely and accurate information reaches the public will be the department's primary focus, he emphasized.