Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi, Apr 15: The Karnataka government is intensifying efforts to tackle the drug menace and protect youth from falling into harmful habits, said rural development and panchayat raj minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge.

Addressing reporters after reviewing a large cache of seized narcotic and Schedule H drugs at the Kalaburagi Police Commissioner’s office, the minister said a high-level meeting chaired by home minister G Parameshwara had recently discussed the issue in detail, following which strict instructions were issued to various departments to step up enforcement.

“The police department has been directed to conduct awareness campaigns and take rigorous action against drug networks to ensure the youth do not stray into addiction,” Kharge said.

Highlighting increased enforcement this year, he noted a significant rise in cases registered and seizures made within the Kalaburagi commissionerate limits. “In 2024, 58 cases were booked and 59 persons were arrested, with 20 kg of ganja seized. In 2025 so far, 172 cases have been registered, 176 accused arrested, and over 100 kg of ganja and 776 kg of Schedule H drugs seized,” he said, adding that the estimated value of the seizures stood at around Rs 23 lakh.

Kharge emphasised that sustained public awareness efforts would be key in the fight against drug abuse. “Awareness programmes will be organised across schools, colleges and universities, followed by campaigns aimed at the general public,” he said.

The minister also announced that steps are being taken to fill vacant teaching posts in the Kalyana Karnataka region. “Recruitment for 5,520 primary school teacher posts is underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, medical education minister Sharanprakash Patil informed that a mega job fair scheduled for Wednesday aims to generate nearly one lakh job opportunities. “Over 22,000 candidates have already registered. More than 280 companies will participate and offer on-the-spot appointment letters based on candidates’ qualifications,” he said.

Kharge also noted that the comprehensive development of 23 parks, including Appan Kere within the Kalaburagi city corporation limits, is in progress.