Chandigarh (Punjab), July 15 (ANI): Punjab Government on Wednesday decided to expand its social media outreach by setting up 15 expert social media teams on the outsourced model amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved an annual budget of Rs 7 crore for these teams, which will be constituted by engaging professionals and experts in the field, an official spokesperson said.

Also Read | 40 Indian Fishermen, Who Were Stranded in Iran Due to COVID-19 Lockdown, Return Home: Live News Breaking and Coronavirus Updates on July 15, 2020.

Since certain departments of the state government have a high level of interaction with the public, it was essential that all important information relating to COVID-19 and the preventive measures being put in place to combat it.

The social media teams would help in bridging the gap between these departments and the public at large.

Also Read | Sachin Pilot Camp Hits Back, 2 Ex-BSP MLAs Release Video Asking Ashok Gehlot 'What Were We Offered to Join Congress?'.

In order to cater the requirements of such departments, the Cabinet also gave nod to engage the services of 63 social media professionals/experts, including one media manager, two assistant media managers, 15 digital media executives, 15 video editors, 15 graphic designers and 15 content writers on an outsourced basis for a period of one year.

Besides creating awareness among the people about the precautions, norms, among others, relating to the pandemic, the teams would also help in countering the spread of misinformation by providing credible and updated information to them on a regular basis. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)